'.va 




Book .P7 

Goipght ^"_ 



COEXBIGHT DEPOSIR 



FISHCRAFT 



FISHCRAFT 



A TREATISE ON 

FRESH WATER FISH 
AND FISHING 



With Comments on the Haunts and Characteristics 

of the Principal Game Fishes and Food 

Fishes, Modes of AngHng for Them, 

Suitable Tackle, Etc. 



WILL WILDWOOD, .1 P€.l ^ ^ 
Author of "Handbook for Sportsmen", Etc. 



)K 



Sfortsma> 's Digest 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

1922 



sv^ 



A^' 



:?^ 



Copyright, 1922 
Sportsman's Digest 
All Rights Reserved 



JUL 31 "22 

©cufiRiajis 



CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Foreword 1 

Fresh Water Fishing 3 

Early Angling Lessons 5 

Home Fishing Waters 14 

Nomenclature : Game and Food Fishes 19 

The Salmon 25 

Land-Locked' Salmon 33 

The Brook Trout 36 

Rainbow Trout 45 

Other Salmon and Trout 48 

The Black Basses 56 

The Grayling 63 

The Mascalonge, or Muskallonge 68 

Pike and Pickerel 73 

Other Game and Food Fishes 80 

How to Make Artificial Flies 102 

How to Cast a Fly 107 

Still Fishing Ill 

Pier Fishing 116 

Fishing Through the Ice 120 

Hints to Fresh Water Anglers 125 

Selected Lines'. . .'\\ .-L l\ . . „> 136 



FOREWORD 

TT may be well to explain, by way of 
"■■ brief introduction, in presenting 
this little brochure on fresh water fish 
and fishing to the attention of Amer- 
ican anglers, that it is not the pur- 
pose of the author and publishers to 
rival any of the excellent works here- 
tofore published on this subject, nor 
to attempt giving anything in the 
nature of a thorough treatise covering 
all the many angles and points of in- 
terest concerning the art, and the 
various species of the finny family 
which are pursued for sport. Able 
as well as entertaining authors, from 
the time of good old Izaak Walton 
down to the present day, have done 
justice to the subject, not only as to 
the art of angling and the denizens of 
brook, river and lake, but also with 
reference to each of the game fishes, 
individually. 

To attempt to give a more complete 
or comprehensive work on fresh 
water fishing than any that has ever 
appeared would be presumptuous and 



2 Fisher aft 

beyond bounds of reason. The in- 
tention, therefore, is to give, in con- 
densed form, a concise Httle book for 
ready reference, convenient in size for 
the pocket, and containing, it is 
hoped, some interesting comments 
worth the attention of the reader, 
whether at his fireside or whiHng away 
a few moments of leisure time in the 
welcome shade of forest trees, near the 
waters where game fish lurk. 

For the brief poetical selections 
prefacing the chapters descriptive of 
the various game fishes, thanks are 
due to those masters of the craft — 
notably the poet-sportsman, Isaak 
McLellan — who possessed the abil- 
ity to cast their lines, whether of the 
rod or the pen, in pleasant places and 
in alluring manner. 

Will Wildwood. 



FRESH WATER FISHING 

"A taper rod, a slender line, 

A bait to tempt the fishes, 
And in the shade of oak or pine 
One may the wicked world resign 

And all its sinful wishes." 

"A gamy fight, a landed prize, 

Perhaps a bass to m.ention, 
And tho' the world may advertise 
'Twill never out of art devise 

A parallel invention." 

"Oh wearied souls that sigh for peace 
And search the town, e'er failing, 
Here is unwatered bliss to lease. 
With interest begging to increase — 
And sou'west winds prevailing." 

"DEYOND doubt the fresh water 
anglers greatly outnumber the 
devotees of salt water fishing. This is 
due in part to the fact that the vast 
majority of those fond of sport with 
rod and line find it easy to reach 
near-by lakes and streams, and 
brooks where the trout hide, while the 
ocean shores of the Atlantic and Pa- 
cific are" far distant from the homes 
of the great host of rodsters residing 
in the interior region of this country 
of "magnificent distances." When 



4 Fishcraft 

the trout brook or the bass lake Hes 
within a short distance, and a day's 
anghng may be had with Httle effort 
and very Ught expense, it naturally 
follows, even though the lure of the 
sea and surf be irresistible to that 
portion of the Waltonian fraternity 
possessing the financial ability to 
gratify the desire, the multitude must 
be content in taking the fishes of the 
inland waters. 

Natural preference for fresh water 
fishing is a deciding factor in many 
cases where anglers have tried both 
the sea fishing and the sport of casting 
for game fishes of the interior. There 
is a charm in the infinite variety of 
scenery, the activity of the pastime, 
whether it be along some cool, rippling 
brook, or in a light-running fishing 
boat on the deep blue waters of the 
lake, that appeals to countless thou- 
sands of enthusiastic fishemen and 
the fair devotees of the sport as well, 
for it is logical that the gentle sex 
should find the gentle art of angling 
a suitable recreation for leisure hours 
and healthful outings. 



EARLY ANGLING LESSONS 

T^HE country boy and the lad of the 
small village, while lacking some 
of the advantages of the youth living 
in the city, should realize that the op- 
portunities for out-door recreation in 
field and -forest, and the lake and 
stream, are priceless in bringing 
health and vigor; delightful in giving 
sport unattainable to the juvenile of 
a large city — if he would go beyond 
the local parks — except through 
considerable expense of time and 
money. The country lad of the pres- 
ent time is not obliged, as a rule, to 
resort to the primitive tackle, the oft- 
mentioned bent pin, thread line, and 
alder pole of other days. Fishing 
tackle of simple yet serviceable form 
may be purchased at such small ex- 
pense that the boy who takes his first 
lessons of the running brook, and the 
school of fishes, need not lack an 
outfit of modern make. 

Probably, on the smaller farms, 
there are many of the hardy little lads 



6 F is he raft 

who "play hookey" as did those of 
earher generations, but the average 
parents of our time are more lenient 
than those of long ago, when the rod 
of birch was too often applied with- 
out mercy to the youthful angler on 
his return from using a rod — not 
much heavier — of hickory or birch 
at the brook, fishing for chubs and 
shiners. Now, the "barefoot boy with 
cheek of tan" is usually given per- 
mission to go a-fishing occasionally, 
and "his ,turned-up pantaloons, and 
his merry whistled tunes" serve to 
give the true local semblance of rural 
recreation, celebrated in song and 
story. Comparatively few fathers of 
farmer boys adopt the old adage, 
"spare the rod and spoil the child," 
as interpreted by stern parents of the 
olden time. More freedom is the rule 
in these progressive days, and the 
fond father is more likely to spare 
money to buy the rod — with other 
tackle — for use in fishing. 

Nothing in later life can bring the 
thrill of joy, of exultation, that comes 
to the young disciple of Walton when 



Fisher aft 7 

hooking and landing his first fish. It 
may be merely a fingerling, suitable 
in size for bait in catching a real game 
fish, but the scientific cast and catch 
of the salmon fisher can never awaken 
in him such ecstacy, such keen excite- 
ment, 'as that of the boy who has just 
brought to land his first finny prize 
from the brook with a jerk of the fish- 
ing rod, strong enough to throw the 
wriggling minnow into the grass far 
behind him. With heart and hands 
trembling under the thrill of victory 
the fisher-boy pounces upon his prey, 
grasps it with firm grip to prevent the 
possibility of escape, and with diffi- 
culty restrains the impulse to hasten 
home, that he may exhibit to a proud 
family circle the proof of his skill as 
an angler. In after years the veteran 
of the angling fraternity looks back 
upon early lessons and their enjoy- 
ment, and feels that "those were the 
happy days." 

Careful instruction in minnow- 
fishing is not one of the things to be 
considered, but words of warning to 
avoid falling into one of the deeper 



8 Fisher aft 

pools, in the great excitement of the 
sport, may, if heeded, prevent an in- 
voluntary plunge of perhaps serious 
consequence. Experience is the real 
teacher, and the errors caused by boy- 
ish zeal are overcome by degrees ; yet 
the calmer achievements of cool cal- 
culation are not, after all, equal to the 
first success, followed, perhaps, by the 
very first home run in the boy's sport- 
loving career. 

If fortune favors the beginner so 
greatly that he can take his primary 
lessons along a trout stream, the de- 
velopment is, of course, more rapid 
and the joy of learning far beyond 
that of a continuous early course in 
catching other small fishes of the 
brook — the little rill being the natu- 
ral kindergarten for fishers — lake 
and river fishing to follow later, on the 
principle of safety first. The presence 
of a parent as "guide, counselor and 
friend," is desirable, in order to pre- 
vent serious accident where deep 
pools exist, and fortified first by the 
advice, then rewarded when success- 
ful by the approval of an elder angler, 



Fishcraft 9 

the little novice has seemingly noth- 
ing else to wish except the triumph 
of often making a catch. As the les- 
sons go on the fraternal spirit exceeds 
the paternal, possibly, on the part of 
the tutor on the fishing stream. 

Even during these days of the pri- 
mary course there are incidental hints 
and helps to be given, and on the 
other hand, the elder angler will, at 
times, be surprised and delighted to 
find that his pupil has discovered 
some more or less important thing 
concerning the fishes not known to the 
preceptor — perhaps a peculiarity in 
the habits, or a trait of an individual 
fish, overlooked by the preceptor. The 
pleasure of teaching the tutor is some- 
thing not permitted in any other 
school of learning, but in the fellow- 
craft of fishing such familiarity does 
not breed contempt — far from it, if 
properly offered. 

To treat or teach of trouting is not 
always possible in the school of pis- 
catory. Many, indeed most begin- 
ners, must learn their lines and run 
the scale in studying the common 



10 Fisher aft 

fishes, and casting about, so to 
speak, for the lowly dace, the humble 
bullhead, or others not even remotely 
allied with any of the royal families 
of fishdom. To begin at the bottom 
will, after all, bring wider range of 
knowledge, and a simple shiner is like 
a flash of silver in the stream, worth 
more than a silver dollar to the boy 
as a first finny trophy, and who shall 
say that the bullhead battling against 
capture is not a fish well worth taking. 
True, the homely bullhead bores to- 
ward the bottom instead of leaping 
upward out of the water in his 
struggle, but there is real excitement 
for the juvenile fisher in landing him, 
and something to be learned thereby. 
On the larger streams and the lakes 
the lessons become more varied and, 
to the keen devotee of the art of an- 
gling, far more attractive than those 
followed in casting the lines for any 
of the smaller denizens of the brook 

— the trout excepted. Fishing for 
perch is an excellent pastime, and the 
smaller members of the bass family 

— the crappie or strawberry bass^ the 



Fishcrajt 1 1 

rock bass, yellow bass, etc. — all af- 
ford good sport. Then there are the 
various species of pike and pickerel, 
sometimes of large size ; the pike- 
perch or wall-eyed pike, the black bass 
of popular favor, and many other iish 
of lesser note, yet eagerly sought for 
and making the spice of variety in 
fresh water fishing, alluring alike to 
novice and expert. 

Pleasant memories of boyhood fish- 
ing days are recalled in the practical 
lines written by Isaac McLellan, the 
poet-sportsman, under the title of 
"The Little Sunfish of the Brook," 
a poem so realistic that the veteran 
angler will find therein a pen-picture 
of his own youthful sport with rod 
and line: 

"I remember those gay dawnings when life was 
fresh and new, 

The rising mist above the vale, the skies of 
heavenly blue, 

The old embowering groves kiss'd by the new- 
born day. 

The dew-wet twinkling grass, the wayside wild- 
flowers gay. 

I remember well the footpaths that to the brook- 
let led, ■ 

The hazel-copse that o'er the lane a leafy arbor 
spread ; 



12 Fisher aft 

The meadows rolling far their billowy waves of 

green, 
The upland pasture-lands, the valleys so serene, 
And dearest spot, the little brook that runs so wild 

a race, 
Its pebbles white, its yellow sand, its merry, 

dimpled face. 

And here my little hazel rod was swinging above 

the brook. 
The line was cast in rippling whirl or in the 

shaded nook ; 
For here the spangled sun-fish were tenants of 

the pool. 
Now darting singly in their play, now swarming 

in a school. 



It may be that the angler, equipped with tackle 

fine. 
With silver reel and bamboo rod, and woven- 

silken line. 
Who takes the springing brook trout and sea bass 

by the score ; 
Or brings to gaff the salmon, along the ocean 

shore. 
Hath joy ineffable, and vast success to boast. 
At Adirondack lakes, or Labrador's pale coast. 

But never may his victories, at brook or salty tide, 

Yield joy like that of boyhood, such glory and 
such pride, 

Such transports as enchant him, beside the wood- 
land stream. 

His spoil the little sunfish, his pride the yellow 
bream. 

Ah, never was such glory, such ecstasy of bliss, 
Or such delicious rapture, such triumphant spoil 
as this ! 



Fisher ajt 13 

When all the grass was spangled, with finny 

leaping gems, 
Gems strung like precious rubies, on supple willow 

stems. 



They say, my little friend, that the ripple of the 

stream, 
With thy Vermillion beauty, may no longer gleam. 
That the golden yellow sides, that shine like 

sunset glow. 
Or the colors intermingled in the showery rainbow. 
May never more be seen where the crystal waters 

glide. 
The clear pellucid waters that o'er the shallows 

slide. 

They say thou art a pirate, a brigand that doth 

slay 
The eggs and young of choicer fish that in the 

waters play ; 
I know not if such charges for outlawry be true, 
But none the less my sympthies shall ever be 

with you." 



HOME FISHING WATERS 

pROBABLY the majority of an- 
glers overlook the great advan- 
tage to be gained by the construction 
of a fish pond, or by converting a Httle 
lakelet of pure water into a private 
fish preserve. This is usually thought 
to be something very expensive, to be 
afforded only by wealthy anglers and 
sportsmen, or the large clubs devoted 
to out-door recreation. As a matter 
of fact, where natural conditions are 
favorable, the expense of making a 
private fish preserve is comparatively 
small, and it should be borne in mind 
that when one considers the value of 
the wholesome fish food thus pro- 
vided, the outlay will prove a good 
business investment, without regard 
to the excellent sport the angler- 
owner will enjoy, near at hand. This, 
of course, applies to those fortunate 
enough to own a farm, or even a few 
acres of property containing a little 
lakelet or pond, or a small brook run- 
ning through the premises. There 



Fisher aft 15 

are many such in various portions of 
the country requiring merely the in- 
troduction of game and food-iish 
best adapted to local conditions — 
the species to be selected ranging from 
brook trout and black bass, to the 
ordinary pike or pickerel. 

Where neither brook nor pond ex- 
ists on the lands, of course the expense 
and difficulties increase, in some 
cases to such an extent as to be pro- 
hibitive, but the aid of irrigation, 
when applied to this purpose, may 
overcome seemingly great obstacles, 
to the advantage of the owner in other 
respects than the propagation of 
fishes. A good artesian well, with 
modern windmill, may be made to 
supply the necessary water, and the 
fish pond, when it is completed, can 
perhaps be supplied with mature fish, 
carefully caught by net in some 
nearby waters, and brought to the 
home preserve in a small tank or a 
tub, filled with fresh water, replen- 
ished once or twice enroute, if need 
be. 

It is, of course, well understood that 



16 Fis he craft 

when an artificial fish pond is to be 
made, it should be constructed so that 
when complete, it will be as nearly 
like a natural pond or lake as possi- 
ble; the nearest imitation to nature 
always being most successful. Pure 
water is absolutely essential, espe- 
cially in preparing a trout pond, or 
a fish preserve to be stocked with 
small-mouth black bass ; and careful 
analysis of the water in which other 
fishes are to be introduced, compar- 
ing this with analysis of the waters in 
which those species are known to 
thrive, will be helpful in making the 
experiment. 

Often, during the period of over- 
flow of rivers in spring-time, large 
numbers of excellent game fishes and 
food fishes are carried or swim into 
the flooded districts adjoining the 
streams thus inundated, a great per- 
centage of these becoming land- 
locked as the waters slowly recede, 
and finally dying by thousands, to be- 
come a public nuisance, possibly 
causing a pestilence, if prompt meas- 
ures are not taken to prevent. Such 



Fisher aft 17 

cases offer the best possible oppor- 
tunities for securing liberal supplies 
of mature fish with which to stock 
the private fish ponds, or restock de- 
pleted waters in the immediate vi- 
cinity, and at the same time benefit 
the general public in two-fold meas- 
ure. 

The small streams and little lakes 
fed by springs afford the best natural 
advantages for fish breeding, and it is 
surprising that many of these adapted 
in every way to the successful propa- 
gation of good game fishes are left 
in the condition of waste waters, so 
far as fish-life is concerned. The 
active assistance of the state fish com- 
mission may be relied on, almost in- 
variably; in fact, where aid or ad- 
vice is asked it is usually given in such 
prompt and practical manner that 
those inclined to be skeptical learn 
to appreciate the value of this branch 
of public service. 

Before making any move toward 
establishing a fish-pond or private 
preserve, the co-operation of the state 
fish commission should be sought, to 



18 Fiskcraft 

the extent of asking for information 
which will be cheerfully supplied on 
request. Moreover, the Division of 
Fisheries, Department of Agriculture, 
at Washington, will furnish a useful 
booklet on this subject, upon appli- 
cation. Thus informed, the land 
owner will be prepared to proceed in- 
telligently, and with assurance of still 
further assistance from the same 
sources, when this becomes necessary. 
Such opportunities should not be neg- 
lected. 



NOMENCLATURE: GAME AND 
FOOD FISHES 

T^HE scientific names of common 
•^ fresh water game and food fishes, 
as well as minnows, may be found 
useful for reference : 

Amer. Saibling (Golden Trout). Sal- 
veliniis aureolus. 

Bass, Black, Large-Mouth. Micropterus 
salmoides. 

Bass, Black, Small-Mouth. Micropterus 
dolimieii. 

Bass, Calico, (Strawberry B.) Pomoxis 
sparoides. 

Bass, Rock (Red-eye). Amhloplites ru- 
pestris. 

Bass, Strawberry (Calico B.). Pomoxis 
sparoides. 

Bass, Warmouth (Google-eye). Chaen- 
obryttiis gulosis. 

Bass, White. Roccus chrysops. 

Blob. See Miller's Thunib. 

Blue-gill (Blue sun-fish). Lempomis 
pallidiis. 

Bream, Blue. See Bluegill. 

Bream, Copper-nosed. See Blue-gill. 

Buffalo fish. Ictiobus cyprinella. 

Buffalo, Small-Mouth. Ictiobtts bubalus. 

Bullhead. Ameiiiriis nebulosus. 

Burbot. Lee Lake Lawyer. 



20 Fishcraft 

Carp. Cyprinns carpio. 

Carp, Leather, C. Carpio coreaceous. 

Catfish, Channel. Ictalnrus punctatus. 

Catfish, Miss. (Great cat). Ameirus 
lacustris. 

Catfish, Mud (Yellow cat). Leptops 
olivaris. 

Catfish, White. See Channel Catfish. 

Cisco (Lake Herring). Leucichthys 
artedi. 

Cisco, Moon-eye (Lake Shiner). Leu- 
cichthys hoyi. 

Chub (Dace). Semotilus atromaculatus. 

Crappie (New Light). Pomoxis annu- 
laris. 

Croaker. See Drum. 

Dace (Chub). Semotilus atromaculatus. 

Dace, Black-nosed. Rhinichthys atro- 
nasus. 

Dace, Horned. Semotilus atromaculatus. 

Darter, Black-sided. Hadropterus aspro. 

Darter, Blue (Rainbow D.). Etheosto- 
ma cocriileum. 

Darter, Blue-breasted. Etheostoma zo- 
nale. 

Darter, Fan-tailed. Etheostoma flabel- 
lare. 

Darter, Green-sided. Dilpesion blen- 
nioides. 

Dollardee. See Blue-gill. 

Drum (Sheeps head. Croaker). Aplodi- 
notus grunniens. 

Eel. Anguilla chrysypa. 



Fisher aft 21 

Fallfish. See Chub. 

Frostfish (Round whitefish). Coregonus 
qitadr Hater alls. 

Golden Shiner (Roach). Abramis cr y so- 
le uc as. 

Golden Trout. Salvelinus aureolus. 

Herring, Lake (Cisco). Argyrosomus 
artedi. 

Herring, Toothed (Mooneye). Hiodon 
tergisus. 

Horned-pout. See Bullhead. 

Jack Salmon. See Pike-perch. 

Lake Herring. See Cisco. 

Lake Lawyer (Burbot; Ling). Lota 
maculosa. 

Mascalonge. Esox estor. 

Mascalonge, Unspotted. Esox masqni- 
nonqv. 

Miller's Thumb (Blob; Muffle-jaw). 
Cottiis rairdi. 

Minnow, Blue-nosed. Pimephales nota- 
tiis. 

Minnow, Fat - head (Black - headed) . 
Pimophales promelas. 

Minnow, Mud. Umbra limi. 

Minnow, Red-bellied. Chrysomiis eryth- 
rogaster. 

Minnow, Spring. Fundiilus diaphanus. 

Muffle-Jaw. See Miller's Thumb. 

Perch, Yellow. Perca flavescens. 

Perch, White. Morone Americana. 

Pickerel, Banded. Esox Americamis. 

Pickerel, Chain. Esox reticitlatiis. 



22 Fishcraft 

Pike. Esox estor. 

Pike-Perch. Stizostedium vifreitm. 

Pumpkin-seed. See Sunfish. 

Roach (Golden Shiner). Ahramis cry- 
seleucas. 

Sand-pike (Sanger). Stizostedeon Cana- 
dense. 

Sand-roller (Trout-perch). Pcrcopsis 
guttatus. 

Salmon, Atlantic. Salmo salar. 

Salmon, Land-locked. Salmo salar se- 
hago. 

Shad. Alosa sapidissima. 

Shad, Hickory .(Mud shad). Dorosoma 
cepedianum. 

Sheepshead. See Drum. 

Shiner, Big-eyed. Notropis • ariommus. 

Shiner, Lake (Moon-eye cisco). Leu- 
cichthys hoyi. 

Shiner, Red-fin (Dace). Notropis cor- 
nutus. 

Skip-jack. Pomolobus chry so Moris. 

vStoneroller. Catostomus nigricans. 

Sturgeon. Acipcnscr hreviostris. 

Sturgeon, Lake. Acipcnser rubicmidus. 

Sturgeon, Shovel-nose. Schphir hynchus 
platorynchiis. 

Sucker. Catostomus commersoni. 

Sucker, Carp. Carpiodes cyprinus. 

Sucker, Northern (Long-nosed). Catos- 
tomus catostomus. 

Sucker, Red-horse. Moxostoma macrol- 
cpidotum. 



Fisher aft 23 

Sucker, Small - headed. Maxostoma 
hreviceps. 

Sucker. Winter (Spotted S.). Miny- 
trenia melanops. 

Sunfish, Blue. See Blue-gill. 

Sunfish. Eiipomotis gihhosiis. 

Sunfish, Green. Lepomis cyanellus. 

Sunfish, Long-eared. Lepomis mega- 
lotis. 

Sunny. See Sunfish. 

Trout, Black - spotted (Red-throat). 
Salmo niykiss. 

Trout. Brook (Speckled T.). Salvelinus 
fontinalis. 

Trout, brown. Salmo jario. 

Trout, Lake (Salmon T.). Crist ovomar 
namaycush. 

Trout, Mountain. See Rainbow Trout. 

Trout, Rainbow. Salmo iridcus. 

Trout-Perch (Sand-roller). Per cop sis 
giittctus. 

Trout, Steelhead. Salmo gairdneri. 

Tullibee (Whitefish). Lciicichthys till 
libcc. 

Whitefish. Coregonus clupeiformis. 

Whitefish, Labrador. Coregonus labra- 
d or ions. 

Whitefish, Menomonee (Round W.). 
Coregonus quadrilatcralis. 

Whitefish, Round. See Frostfish. 



THE SALMON 

'Cold, these rivers, as the fountains 

From the wilderness that flow, 
Cold as waters of the mountains, 

Gelid with the ice and snow. 
There amid the soft abysses. 

Or the river's spring-fresh tide. 
Gleaming, flashing, leaping, diving, 

Shoals of lordly salmon glide." 




Atlantic Salmon. 



A RIGHT royal member of the 
'^ family of game fishes is the 
lordly salmon, king of the freshwater 
species by right of size and quality 
as a fighter for freedom when hooked, 
and the prime favorite of a necessarily 
limited class of anglers, as salmon 
fishing is a branch of the sport not 
to be indulged in by men of small in- 
come, on account not merely of the 
cost of the outfit, but more particu- 
larly by reason of the expense of leas- 
ing a suitable stretch of water, em- 
ploying an expert boatman, and other 
incidentals in keeping with the 



Fisher aft 25 

princely pastime. Moreover, financial 
ability is not the only requisite, for 
it is not every lover of angling that 
is able to handle the mighty salmon, 
or wield the two-handed rod in a 
manner to do justice to himself and 
the nerve-testing sport. 

Authorities differ as to the original 
habitat of the salmon, whether it has 
always divided its time by dwelling 
in salt water during a portion of the 
year, and ascending the rivers an- 
nually, in spring-time; or whether 
the entire family Salmonidea for- 
merly inhabited fresh water exclu- 
sively. A studious angler-naturalist 
states that "the original habitat of the 
Salmonidea was in fresh water, and it 
is the sea salmon which has become 
erratic — the disturbances of the 
glacial period having driven them out 
of their primitive inland possessions. 
But in obedience to the law of evolu- 
tion which requires posterity to pass 
through the same biological changes 
as their progenitors did, all salmon 
must be born and live for a time, at 
least, in free water; hence we find 



26 Fishcraft 

our sea salmon coming into the rivers 
and spending a large portion of their 
time in fresh water, seeking there a 
change of diet and hygienic treatment 
against parasites and fungus." 

The question is of special inter- 
est to students of ichthyology, but of 
greater practical interest to salmon 
fishers is the fact that, for whatsoever 
cause, the fish do visit the large 
streams every year, and that for the 
most part it is the Atlantic salmon, 
reaching the Canadian rivers, on 
which the angler must depend for his 
sport, while the Pacific salmon, as- 
cending the Columbia and other large 
streams of the Western coast, pro- 
vides the commercial supply with 
which the public is familiar. 

Scientists thus describe the Atlan- 
tic salmon — regarded as the best 
game fish of the several allied species : 
"Body moderately elongate, symmet- 
rical, not generally compressed; head, 
rather low; mouth, moderate, the 
maxillary reaching past the eye; 
scales, rather large, largest posteri- 
orly, and silvery in appearance; col- 



Fisher aft 27 

oration in the adult, brownish above, 
the sides more or less silvery, with 
numerous black spots on sides of 
head, on body, and on fins, and red 
patches along the sides in the males ; 
young specimens (parrs) with about 
eleven dusky cross-bars, besides black 
spots and red patches, the color as 
well as form of the head and body 
varying much with age, food and con- 
dition; the black spots on the adult 
often X shaped, or x x shaped ; weight, 
fifteen to forty pounds. North At- 
lantic, ascending all suitable rivers 
and the region north of Cape Cod; 
sometimes permanently land-locked 
in lakes, where its habits and colora- 
tions (but no specific characters) 
somewhat when it becomes, in Amer- 
ica, var. Sebago." 

It is worthy of note that some two 
hundred years ago the Hudson was 
a fine salmon stream, but the current 
and tide of the time combined, now 
leads to fortune rather than fishing, 
and the same is true of other large 
rivers along the North Atlantic coast, 
southward of the Canadian border, 



28 Fishcraft 

so that anglers of the United States 
must be content with land-locked 
salmon fishing or go to the far-famed, 
far-off Saguenay, Restigouche, Casca- 
pedia, St. John, or other distant riv- 
ers — literally "dear delights" — to 
the north of the St. Lawrence, for 
sport of King Solomon. During the 
past year salmon fishing with rod and 
reel has proved successful on the Pa- 
cific coast. 

It may be possible that the nation- 
wide crusade against pollution of 
river and the liberal attention given 
to all that relates to conservation, fish 
culture, and the restoration of public 
resources now lost or waning, the 
lowly Hudson might be so purified 
as to become once more, in some de- 
gree, a salmon stream, realizing the 
fond anticipations of the late A. N. 
Cheney, who gave this subject careful 
study and devoted to it earnest work 
worthy of better success than he at- 
tained while a member of the State 
Fish Commission. But that is an- 
other story. 

To attempt to give instructions on 



Fishcraft 29 

salmon fishing would be beyond 
reason, in a brief summary of the 
merits of this fish and the pleasure of 
catching. That accomplished writer 
and keen angler, the late Charles Hal- 
lock, in his admirable book entitled 
"The Salmon Fisher," has given a 
most entertaining as well as instruc- 
tive treatise on the subject, and the 
same may be truthfully said of Henry 
P. Wells' practical work, the "Amer- 
ican Salmon Fisherman," — two vol- 
umes deserving high commendation 
to all those wishing such instruction 
as printed lines may afford, prelim- 
inary to casting the line and lure for 
the game fish referred to. 

The charm of salmon fishing has 
been so aptly described by George 
Dawson that his story of the cast and 
capture is well worth repeating: "I 
had marked the spot where the fish 
had risen, had gathered up my flies 
for another cast, had dropped the fly, 
like a snowflake, just where I desired 
it to rest, when, like a flash, the same 
enormous head appeared, the same 
open jaws revealed themselves, a 



30 Fisher aft 

swirl and a leap and a strike followed, 
and my first salmon was hooked with 
a thud ! which told me as plainly as if 
the operation had transpired within 
the range of my vision, that if I lost 
him it would be my own fault. When 
thus assured, there was excitement, 
but no flurry. My nerves thrilled 
and every muscle assumed the ten- 
sion of well-tempered steel, but I 
realized the full sublimity of the oc- 
casion, and a sort of majestic calm- 
ness took the place of the stupid unc- 
tion which followed the first appari- 
tion. My untested rod bent under 
the pressure, in a graceful curve ; my 
reel clicked out a livelier melody than 
ever came from harp or hautboy, as 
the astonished fish made his first 
dash; the tensioned line emitted 
x\eolian music as it stretched and 
stiff"ened under the strain to which it 
was subjected; and for fifty minutes 
there was such a giving and taking, 
such sulking and rushing, such leap- 
ing and tearing, such hoping and fear- 
ing, as would have 'injected life into 
the ribs of death,' made an anchorite 



Fisher aft 31 

dance in very ecstasy, and caused any 
true angler to believe that his heart 
was a kettle-drum, every sinew a 
jew's-harp, and the whole framework 
of his excited nerves a full band of 
music. And during all this time my 
canoeman rendered efficient service in 
keeping even pace with the eccentric 
movements of the struggling iish. 
^Hold his head up, if possible !' was the 
counsel given me, and 'make him 
work for every inch of line.' 
Whether, therefor, he took fifty yards 
or a foot, I tried to make him pull for 
it, and then to regain whatever was 
taken as soon as possible. The result 
was an incessant clicking of the reel, 
either in paying out or in taking in, 
w^ith an occasional flurry and leap, 
which could have been no more pre- 
vented than the onrushing of a loco- 
motive. Any attempt to have sud- 
denly checked him by making ade- 
quate resistance would have made 
leader, line or rod a wreck in an in- 
stant. All tjiat it was proper or safe 
to do was to give each just the amount 
of strain and pressure it could bear 



32 Fisher aft 

with safety — not an ounce more nor 
an ounce less — and I believe that I 
measured the pressure so exactly that 
the strain upon my rod did not vary 
half an ounce from the first to the last 
of the struggle. Toward the close of 
the fight, when it was evident that the 
'jig was up,' and I felt myself master 
of the situation, I took my stand upon 
a projecting point in the river, where 
the most favorable opportunity possi- 
ble was afforded the gaffer to give the 
struggling fish the final death thrust, 
and so end the battle. It was skill- 
fully done. The first plunge of the 
gaff brought him to the greensward, 
and there lay before me, in all his 
silver beauty and magnificent propor- 
tions, my first salmon. He weighed 
thirty pounds, measured nearly four 
feet in length, and was killed in fifty 
minutes. It is said that when good 
old Dr. Bethune landed his first 
salmon, 'he caressed it as fondly as he 
ever caressed his first-born,' I could 
only stand over mine in speechless ad- 
miration and delight — panting with 
fatigue, trembling in very ecstasy," 



LAND-LOCKED SALMON 

'On, in our birch canoe we listless float, 
Now in the sunshine, now in shadows lost, 
Where great Spruce Mountain casts its inky 

shade, 
And the dim depths seem fathomless. 



"A wild duck, startled from the cove, sweeps by ; 
Zigzag a kingfisher flies, shrill-screaming, past ; 
From up the lake come hoarse cries of a crane, 
And melancholy wail of lonely loon. 
All these the boatman notes with dreamy sense, 
And then anon he takes his tapering rod 
And casts his feather'd lures with skillful hand; 
He takes the lordly salmon and the trout 
That in the watery abysses float." 

T^HE land-locked salmon, as the 
•^ name implies, is to all intents and 
purposes identical with the salmon of 
the sea — the migratory game fish so 
eagerly sought as it ascends the Cana- 
dian streams of the St. Lawrence re- 
gion — the species inhabiting the in- 
land lakes differing mainly in the fact 
that for some reason the early pro- 
genitors remained in fresh water, and 
this has finally become the natural 
habitat. The local names applied as 
a rule, in Maine, to conform to the 
lakes in which they are found, seem 
confusing to the novice. A few of 
the titles used are the Penobscot 



34 Fisher aft 

Salmon, Sebago Salmon, Schoodic 
Salmon, Lake Salmon, Lost Salmon, 
etc. ; while in the Lake St. John and 
Upper Saguanay region ; province of 
Quebec, it is voluntarily known as the 
Winninish, Ouananiche, and Wa- 
nanishe. In his entertaining as well 
as instructive work, "The Leaping 
Ouananiche," descriptive of this game 
hsh, its haunts, habits, and the meth- 
ods of taking it with rod and line, the 
author, Eugene McCarthy, adopts 
the name given in the title of the book, 
wherein he proves the correctness of 
this, and the fact that the iish is as 
great an aquatic acrobat as the 
salmon of Canadian rivers. 

For some reason the natives of 
Labrador, New Brunswick and Nova 
Scotia, call the land-locked salmon 
a "grayling," yet there is little if any 
resemblance to the delicate hsh of that 
name. There are other appellations, 
less commonly used, but the foregoing 
are those most frequently applied 
when referring to this excellent game 
fish. 



THE BROOK TROUT 

'Here where the willowy thickets wave 
Their drooping tassels beneath the wave, 
Their lies a deep and darken'd pool 
Whose waters are crystal-clear and cool ; 
It is fed by many a gurgling fount 
That trickles from upland pasture and mount, 
And where the tree-shadows fall dense and dii 
The glittering trout securely swim." 




Brook Trout, 



r\P all the strictly fresh water fishes 
^-^ the brook trout or speckled trout 
of the streams throughout a great 
portion of the northern states, is by 
a majority of anglers regarded as the 
prince of game fish. It is the com- 
bination of rare beauty of form and 
color, game quality of the first order 
when hooked, and delicious flavor 
when served at table, that gives this 
fish — appropriately termed "the 
salmon of the fountain" — its place at 



36 Fisher aft 

the head of fresh water game fishes. 
V^olumes have been written concern- 
ing the brook trout, its haunts, habits 
and scientific characteristics, so that 
its history is an open book to those 
who study the subject from the angle 
of the printed page, but the hosts of 
enthusiasts fond of trout fishing find 
the lessons of the running brook, with 




Yellowstone Trout. 



the leaves overhead, more fascinating 
than any instruction or description 
given by even the most graphic writer. 
The brook trout may be regarded, 
on the score of gameness as well as in 
relationship, as a small salmon, with 
this difference in its favor, the beauti- 
ful tints of red and gold and silver 
make the speckled trout far superior 
in appearance to the larger species in 
the Canadian rivers, and fortunately 



Fisher aft 37 

for the trout fisher the science of arti- 
ficial iish culture has advanced to 
such an extent that depleted streams 
are replenished, and even the brooks 
formerly barren of these game fish, 
have been stocked so that where nat- 
ural advantages exist, the local, state 
and federal hatcheries have in many 
instances supplied the deficiency, to 
the benefit of the public in general, 
and the angling fraternity in particu- 
lar. 

In size the genuine brook trout 
reaches ten pounds or more, the 
largest specimens being found in the 
waters of the big rivers of Maine, the 
far-famed Nipigon, over the border in 
Canada, and the cold waters of sim- 
ilar streams and some of the lakes 
near the northern boundary of the 
United States. The average, of 
course, is much smaller, and in the 
ordinary trout stream a gamy speci- 
men of one pound is a prize, while a 
two-pounder is of greater rarity, and a 
three-pound fish something to awaken 
the envy of all local rodsters. 

Learning the art of angling for 



38 Fisher aft 

brook trout is usually of the progres- 
sive order, upward from the primitive 
form of fishing with the ordinary 
angle worm, or ''garden hackle," and 
rod and line of simplest style. With 
such tackle and lure the lad who loves 
the sport soon becomes quite an ex- 
pert, and from catching at first the 
small, unwary members of the salve- 
linus fontinalis family, he acquires a 
degree of skill enabling him to hook 
and land the elusive monarchs of the 
brook. With increasing knowledge of 
the fascinating art, the Waltonian 
disciple naturally aspires to finer ap- 
pliances, and when supplied with ar- 
tificial flies, rod and line and reel of 
approved make, the glory of getting a 
rise with lure of the feather and tinsel 
brings the enthusiast a foretaste of the 
delight in store when he shall have 
won the coveted degree of M. A., or 
Master of Angling. The manner of 
casting is briefly described in the 
chapter, "How to Cast a Fly." 

In trout fishing, more perhaps than 
in any other form of angling, great 
caution is the price of success, for 



Fisher aft 39 

skill in casting counts for nothing if 
the trout be frightened, lurking in the 
depths of the pool, or hidden beneath 
the bank of the stream, warned of 
danger by vibration or some move- 
ment of the awkward fisherman. 
Good advice was given long ago by 
some fishing philosopher who declared 
one should show as much of his lure 
and as little of himself as possible. 
To make the fly fall lightly, to imi- 
tate nearly as possible the motion of 
the natural fly, to move noiselessly, 
to avoid casting of shadows while 
casting the lure, and to drop the 
feather hook accurately on the spot 
where the fish has risen or is expected 
to rise ; these are a few of the secrets 
of success well known to veterans of 
the fraternity. 

The knowledge of where to fish is 
as important as knowing how to fish, 
as it is self-evident one cannot catch 
trout where there are none, and ex- 
perience, or reliable instruction as to 
the likely pools where the trout hide, 
must be gained in order to make a 
fair showing, especially in localities 



40 Fishcraft 

overfished, the educated trout being 
doubly difficult to approach, and still 
harder to attract and bring to basket. 
Wisdom as to the probable haunts 
will prove useful, of course, but it has 
often been demonstrated that the man 
or boy knowing precisely the places 
where the big fellows of bright colors 
and suspicious nature have their 
abiding pools, will win in a walk — so 
to speak — along the banks of the 
brook. 

Another essential point is to know 
when to fish — a matter worth care- 
ful consideration. Experience in this, 
as in other things, is the best teacher. 
It is an old truism that the best time 
to catch fish is when the fish will bite, 
but in this respect the finny tribe, in- 
dividually, if not collectively, seems 
variable as the April weather during 
the early days of the open season for 
trouting. One soon learns that fish- 
ing, when the water is high and dis- 
colored from heavy rains, will prove 
a delusion and disappointment; that 
angling at mid-day, under a hot sun, 
is likely to be unpleasant and unsuc- 



Fishcraft 41 

cessful ; but there are many things in 
regard to what may be termed the 
"taking times" of the day, or of the 
season, and as to the particular 
stream you intend to whip in the 
eager race for good fishing, that can 
be learned only by patience and per- 
sistent study at first hand. 

Having mastered, as nearly as pos- 
sible, the three great problems of how, 
where and when, no keen devotee re- 
quires a word as to the "why" of 
trout fishing. Probably Sir Edgerton 
Brydges gave convincing analysis as 
any when he said of recreation with 
rod and gun : 

"It is a mingled rapture, and we find 
The bodily spirit mounting to the mind." 

The special advocates of this branch 
of angling may perhaps feel inclined 
to alter a well-known saying, by de- 
claring that God doubtless might have 
given to mankind a better pastime 
than that of fishing for brook trout, 
but it is certain that God never did. 
The place of honor, in the annals of 
angling, is usually given to this hand- 



42 Fishcraft 

some game fish, over all fishes of fresh 
water — the salmon excepted, and 
some writers are inclined to give the 
latter doubtful credit in this line, from 
the fact that, although the sport of 
salmon fishing is pursued on inland 
waters, the sea is the habitat for the 
greater part of the year, therefore this 
royal member of the popular family of 
fishes is, from the viewpoint named, 
not strictly a rival of the bonnie brook 
trout. 

And so, without attempting to de- 
cide the relative claims of the two 
species of magnificent fresh water fish, 
or prove the full right of the salmon 
to recognition as a game fish of this 
class, although, in truth it is seldom 
pursued with rod and line in the sea 
— the trout fisher may well go on his 
way rejoicing in a pastime delightful 
to men of fame in all walks of life 
from an era long previous to that of 
Isaak Walton, down to that of Daniel 
Webster, and later, of many notable 
Americans. 

Of the famous trout lakes in Maine 
and the Adirondack region in north- 



Fishcraft 43 

ern New York, where brook trout of 
great size were formerly taken, it 
must be said that while fair fishing 
may be had it would be unreasonable 
to expect to duplicate such catches 
at the present time, but the prestige 
at least remains with Parmachenee 
Lake and the Rangeley Lakes in the 
first named state, while perhaps bet- 




Saibling Trout (Long Fin Charr). 

ter fishing may now be had in less 
celebrated waters, and this applies 
also to the trouting in the North 
Woods of New York, for the celebrity 
of the Ausauble, the Chateaugay and 
Saranac region cannot bring back the 
splendor of the golden days of trout 
fishing. Fortunate indeed are those 
of the angling fraternity who find fair 
sport in home waters, and doubly 
blest are they who strive to maintain 



44 Fishcrajt 

the quality of the fishing by restock- 
ing the streams and aiding in strin- 
gent enforcement of the laws restrict- 
ing the taking of game fishes. 

Angling literature gives promi- 
nence and precedence to the brook 
trout. Notable among the entertain- 
ing as well as instructive books on 
this subject are Kit Clarke's "Where 
the Trout Hide," Charles Bradford's 
"Determined Angler and the Brook 
Trout," Louis Rhead's admirable 
treatise, O. W. Smith's "Trout Lore," 
and last, but by no means least. 
Southard's comprehensive work en- 
titled "Trout Fly Fishing in Amer- 
ica." Any and all of these are well 
worthy of a niche in the trout fisher's 
library. 



RAINBOW TROUT 

TN former years the rainbow trout, 
■*■ often called Mountain trout, was 
found only in the streams west of the 
Rocky Mountains, where it has long 
been regarded as a leader among fresh 
water game fishes. Some twenty years 
ago the rainbow trout was introduced 
in Eastern streams, especially the 
brooks and smaller rivers of New Jer- 
sey and New York, where it has 




Rainbow Trout. 



thrived and is now eagerly sought. In 
general formation and size it resem- 
bles the brook trout, and in game 
qualities is probably equal — some 
anglers claim it superior — to the 
speckled favorite, or "salmon of the 
fountain," but in colors the western 
lish, with its tints suggestive of the 
rainbow, does not approach the 



46 Fishcraft 

beauty of the red, gold and silver 
spangled trout so dear to the angler's 
heart. 

In business life, rainbow chasing is 
almost certain to prove both disap- 
pointing and disastrous, while follow- 
ing the rainbow along the trout 
stream is delightful, and dear in the 
best sense of the word. The cobble- 
stones of the stream are, therefore, 
preferable to the curb stones of Wall 
Street, so far, at least, as chasing the 
elusive rainbow is concerned. Even 
at the worst, a broken rod signifies 
less than a badly broken bank bal- 
ance. 

The tackle and methods employed 
in fishing for the mountain trout are 
practically identical with those used 
in brook trout fishing. As both spe- 
cies inhabit the same streams in many 
if not most cases, in Eastern streams, 
special instructions or suggestions 
are not required, beyond those offered 
with reference to the speckled trout. 

Referring to the game qualities of 
the rainbow trout. Prof. Evermann, 
a close observer and keen angler. 



Fisher aft 47 

says : "The rainbow takes the fly so 
readily that there is no reason for 
resorting to grasshoppers, salmon 
eggs, or other bait. It is a flsh whose 
gameness will satisfy the most exact- 
ing of expert anglers, and whose readi- 
ness to take any proper line will 
please the most impatient of inex- 
perienced aniateurs." 



OTHER SALMON AND TROUT 

r\F the Pacific salmon several spe- 
^^ cies exist, but most of these are 
known only as food fishes, ascending 
the large rivers, such as the Columbia, 
for the purpose of spawning, and usu- 
ally refusing to take either live bait 
or artificial lures, but instances have 
been recorded — especially during the 
past year — of catching the salmon of 
the Pacific coast, with rod and line, 
in a really scientific manner. The 
generally recognized game fishes of 
the trout family, aside from those 
heretofore mentioned, are as follows : 

Steelhead Trout 

The steelhead, like the Pacific 
salmon, is a sea fish, visiting the rivers 
to spawn, but unlike the larger spe- 
cies, it is a game fish, does not go 
far out to sea, and in fresh water is 
a high leaper, affording good sport to 
anglers. Dr. Jordan, an accepted 
authority, gives the steelhead an hon- 
ored place in the salmon family, 
stating that salmon trout is a suit- 
able name for it. The fish is silvery 



Fishcraft 49 

in color in salt water, but spots appear 
on it after a short time in fresh water, 
making it resemble imore nearly a 
trout of the lakes. In weight, the 
range is from two to twenty-five 
pounds ; the run in fall, September 
and October, averaging about three 
pounds ; in winter, December and 
January, run ten pounds or larger, 




Steel-head Trout. 

those of largest size being taken at 
this time. The steelhead salmon do 
not die after spawning. 

Dolly Varden Trout 

This beautiful species, bedecked 
with large crimson dots, is found in 
the upper Sacramento and its tribu- 
taries, the upper Columbia, the 
McCloud River and tributaries ; and 
those of the region north of Puget 



50 Fisher aft 

Sound are of migratory habits, run- 
ning to the sea, thus losing the bright 
colors, and resembling to some extent 
the steelhead. It is a fine game fish, 
known in California as the Dolly Var- 
den, in Alaska as the salmon trout, 
and in Washington, the "bull trout." 
The weight varies, according to lo- 
cality and conditions, the largest run- 
ning up to ten pounds. 

Golden Trout 

Several species of the golden trout 
are recorded, varying little in forma- 
tion and general characteristics, all 
showing game qualities of high order, 
and the rich golden tints from which 
the name was derived. Dr. David 
Starr Jordan was iirst to classify and 
describe, in scientific manner, the 
golden trout of the Pacific coast, small 
in size, but an eager biter, so much 
so that on account of the rather di- 
minutive size and remarkable beauty, 
the catching of any was prohibited for 
a time shortly after identification of 
the several species. These are the 
Salmo agua honita, so named by Jor- 



Fisher aft 51 

dan, a species found in the south fork 
of the Kern and its small tributaries ; 
Salmo whitei, Evermann, from the 
stream called Soda Creek; and 
Sahno Roosevelti, taken in the Vol- 
cano Creek. 

Cut-throat Trout 

This species, called the cut-throat 
from the red dash of color below the 
under jaw, has a range from Alaska 
in the far north, to California, and 
eastw^ard to Montana. It has been 
claimed that this is in all probability 
the oldest of American trout, and it 
is not only a handsome fish, but a 
vigorous fighter when hooked; usu- 
ally found in swift portions of the 
brooks, and lending life and color to 
the streams as it darts through the 
crystal-clear waters. In form it is 
much like other species of trout, the 
head, however, being longer in pro- 
portion, and the body is fully spotted. 
It spawns in spring. 

Lake Trout 

. The natural habitat of the lake 
trout is the waters of the Great Lakes, 



52 Fisher aft 

and other large lakes of the north. 
Its favorite haunts are the deep por- 
tions, from which it comes at times 
in quest of such food as small fish, 
etc., usually in early morning and at 
the evening hour, when the artificial 
fly can occasionally be used success- 
fully. Ordinarily the best method of 
catching the lake trout is with me- 
dium tackle, trolling with a minnow, 
in deep water. For this a stiff rod is 
required, and heavy sinkers ; although 
the use of these may be avoided by 
using a braided wire line in deep 
trolling, the weight of the line being 
sufficient to take the bait down to the 
necessary depth. Still-fishing with 
live minnows will be found successful 
at times. The lake trout, inhabiting 
also some of the large lakes of Maine, 
attains a weight of twenty pounds in 
rare instances. 

Mackinaw Trout 

Another species of northern trout, 
reaching still greater size than the 
one above named, is the Mackinaw 
trout, common in the Great Lakes, 



Fisher aft 53 

Superior to Ontario, as well as in 
other big lakes of that region, par- 
ticularly Lake Champlain, New York, 
and also in the Mackinaw River, from 
whence it took the name. It is found 
likewise in Alaska. In Lake Superior, 
Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan, this 
fish is called the Mackinaw trout ; in 
the lakes of northern New York it is 




Lake (Mackinaw) Trout. 

known as the lake trout. Very large 
specimens are sometimes taken, up to 
nearly ninety pounds, and a length of 
six feet, it is claimed. The favorite 
haunts are in deep water, and the suc- 
cessful method of fishing is trolling 
with copper wire line and live bait, 
minnows, etc. 



54 Fisher aft 

The Brown Trout 

The brown trout, a European spe- 
cies, introduced in American streams 
a number of years ago, is very hardy 
and has multiphed greatly, in the 
brooks and small rivers of a few east- 
ern states, especially. Opinions differ 
with reference to its desirability or 
practical benefit as an addition to the 




Brown Trout, 



game fishes of the fresh waters of the 
United States, in streams where na- 
tive trout naturally thrive. The 
brown trout is very combative, a vig- 
orous fighter, whether in contest with 
trout of other species, or when hooked, 
therefore, although not so handsome 
as either the speckled brook trout or 
the rainbow trout, it is likely to be the 
survivor in a finish fight with the two 
native species, according to observa- 



Fisher aft 55 

tions of anglers who have studied the 
problem. In streams not adapted to 
either speckled or rainbow trout, the 
brown trout would certainly be a 
really desirable game fish, as it rises 
readily to the fly, and its gameness 
is undeniable. It was first planted in 
American waters in 1883. 



THE BLACK BASSES 

The Small-mouth Bass 

'The little-mouth has little scales, 
There's red in his handsome eye, 

The scales extend on his vertical fins. 
And his forehead is round and high. 

'His forehead is round and high, my boys. 
And he sleeps the winter through ; 

He likes the rocks in the summer time — 
Micropterus dolomicii." 




Little-Mouth (Black) Bass. 

TJIGH in the list of favorite fresh 
water game fishes is the black 
bass, foremost, in fact, as viewed 
by that eminent angler-author. Dr. 
James A. Henshall, whose assertion 
that it is "inch for inch and pound for 
pound the gamest fish that swims," 
has become the slogan of thousands of 
anglers who prefer black bass fishing 
to any other form of sport with rod 
and line. Of the fighting character of 



Fisher aft 57 

this fish — boldness in biting, fierce 
resistance in fighting to the last gap — 
there can be no doubt, and that it is 
a good food fish is also true, and com- 
bination of these qualities surely en- 
titles the black bass to a most favora- 
ble, though not necessarily a premier, 
position among the game fishes of 
America. 

Classified as one of the favorite 
fresh water fishes, the black bass 
ranks on a par with the justly prized 
striped bass or rock-fish as to game- 
ness, but does not reach the size of 
the latter — a game fish of the first 
water, whether it be the sea or river, 
for the latter is often taken in the 
ocean as well as in tide-water streams. 

Of the two species of black bass, 
possibly the small-mouth may be con- 
sidered preferable, being more active 
than the large-mouth of extreme size 
which it attains in southern waters, 
but in the cold lakes and rivers where 
both are found, probably little, if any 
difference can be determined on the 
score of game qualities. The dis- 
tinguishing features of the small- 



58 Fishcraft 

mouth species are clearly set forth in . 
the foregoing clever rhyme of Fred 
Mather — a fish culturist, expert 
angler, and angling author. 

P'ifty years ago the black bass was 
held in slight esteem by most anglers, 
in fact, generally considered one of 
the coarse species, grudgingly admit- 
ted to be fit for food, but hardly 
measuring up to the standard of a 
true game fish. The fault, evidently, 
lay with the fishers instead of the fish, 
as the method of taking then in vogue 
was usually of the coarse, if not 
clumsy kind, and skillful, scientific 
black bass fishing an unknown branch 
of the art to the multitude. A few 
ardent anglers of advanced ideas, it is 
true, studied the habits and charac- 
teristics, thus discovering the fact that 
the sport was remarkably attractive 
when properly pursued, but it re- 
mained for Dr. James A. Henshall, 
the recognized "Apostle of the Black 
Bass," to enlighten the fraternity con- 
cerning the really high rank to be ac- 
corded the closely allied species of 
bass, and bass fishing. EarHer 



Fisher aft 59 

authors — authorities in their day — 
had Httle to say regarding the fish no^v^ 
so warm a favorite, and that mere 
mention was usually in disparage- 
ment of the "bronze-back knight in 
armor." 

The color of the bass, varying little, 
if any in the two species, is dark 
bronze green, the shading differing 
silghtly according to the waters — 
lighter in the crystal-clear lakes and 
streams than in those of very dark, 
seemingly almost inky-black appear- 
ance. A two-pound black bass gives 
a good iight for life and liberty, while 
the iive-pounder — near the maxi- 
mum size for the small-mouth species 
in most of the northern waters — 
battles in proportion to additional 
weight, demonstrating to a degree Dr. 
Henshall's claim as to its being the 
gamest fish that swims. 

During the season when the genu- 
ine flies are hovering over the waters, 
the black bass rises readily to the well- 
cast artificial fly, and this, of course, 
affords the angler the very acme of 
bass fishing. Live minnows are excel- 



60 Fisher aft 

lent bait, while the frog, worm, craw- 
fish, or helgramite are often equally 
attractive, and imitations of these in 
artificial lures are not by any means 
refused when the bass happens to be 
in a taking mood; the "plug" often 
proving one of the best baits obtain- 
able. 

The range of the blask bass is about 
half nation-wide, no fresh water game 
fish having a much more extensive 
distribution, probably none so general 
a habitant of waters east of the Mis- 
sissippi. Artificial propagation has 
done much with this, as with other 
desirable game and food fishes, to ex- 
tend the distribution far beyond the 
original or natural range, and in 
nearly all waters adapted to their 
adoption, and not pre-empted by 
some species of the trout family, fish 
hatching has enabled anglers to revel 
in fish catching, with the black bass 
providing the sport-giving incentive. 
The bass are most abundant in Mich- 
igan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New 
York, New Jersey, and Canada. 

Many local names have been given 



Fishcraft 61 

to the small-mouth black bass, the 
most commonly used of these appella- 
tions being Jumping Bass, Leaping 
Bass, Bronze-Backer, Marsh Bass, 
River Bass, Slough Bass, Little- 
Mouth Bass, Green Bass, and Spot- 
ted Bass. 

Large-mouth Bass 

"The big-mouth has the biggest scales, 
And a pit scooped in his head, 
His mouth is cut behind his eye, 
In which is nary a red. 

"In his eye is nary a red, my boys, 
But keen and well he sees, 
He has a dark stripe on his side — 
Micropterus salmoides." 




Big-Mouth (Black) Bass. 



The large-mouth black bass, differ- 
ing as above indicated from the small- 
mouth species, is found in the same 
waters — although it is possible the 
range extends farther southward — 



62 Fiskcraft 

and in a general way the methods of 
fishing are identical. In warmer 
w^aters the black bass is not ordinarily 
as active, and this applies likewise to 
nearly all fishes of the inland lakes and 
streams. Popular local names for the 
large-mouth bass are Oswego Bass, 
Moss Bass, Welshman, Green Perch, 
and the nicknames before mentioned 
in referring to the small-mouth 
species. Specimens weighing up to 
eight pounds are occasionally caught, 
and it is recorded that a large-mouth 
of twenty pounds was once taken in 
Florida. 



THE GRAYLING 

"I wind about, and in and out, 

With here a blossom sailing. 
And here and there a lusty trout, 
And here and there a grayling." 

npHERE is something ethereal al- 

■^ most, in the graceful form, 

waving dorsal of tri-color, and dainty 

tints of the grayling; and this deli- 




Michigan Grayling. 

cate appearance may seem to be in 
keeping with the regretable fading 
away of this choice "flower of fishes," 
in streams where it was once found 
in profusion — the rivers and brooks 
of Northern Michigan. Angling 
writers first brought the grayling of 
American waters to public notice 
about seventy years ago, and for a 
time there was confusion as to its 



64 Fishcraft 

place in the family of fishes, but 
ichthyologists on investigation de- 
clared it to be a true type of this spe- 
cies, and the rush of eager anglers 
followed; but the real reason for its 
rapid disappearance is doubtless the 
work of sawmills in filling the streams 
with sawdust and other refuse fatal 
to fish of such delicate organism. It 
is stated, too, that the brook trout, in- 
habiting the same streams, preyed on 
the grayling as it became weakened 
by conditions mentioned, and thus 
hastened the destruction, so that 
many believe grayling fishing in 
Michigan is practically a thing of the 
past, so far as finding any considera- 
ble number is concerned. 

In form the grayling is more slen- 
der than the trout, and in weight it 
rarely exceeds one and a half pounds, 
the distinguishing feature, however, 
being particularly its magnificent dor- 
sal fin, extending nearly one-fourth 
the length of the fish, and of tri-color, 
dotted with purple spots, giving it the 
appearance of a waving banner when 
the grayling darts through the water 



Fishcraft 65 

in arrow-like rushes. The body col- 
ors are delicate shades of silver gray, 
olive brown and pale blue. Describ- 
ing this beautiful iish an authority on 
the subject says: "The sun's rays, 
lighting up the delicate olive-brown 
tints of the back and sides, the bluish- 
white of the abdomen, and the 
mingling of tints of rose, pale blue 
and purplish-pink on the fins, display 
a combination of colors equaled by 
no fish outside of the tropics." 

The propagation of the grayling is 
attended with much difficulty, on ac- 
count of the delicate organism of this 
iish, but fortunately for the anglers 
of America, Dr. James A. Henshall 
— best known as the highest author- 
ity on the black bass ■ — demonstrated 
the fact some twelve years ago that 
this form of fish culture could be made 
successful. To make the propagation 
beneficial to the public, however, the 
placing of the young fish in the 
streams must be done with rare good 
judgment, otherwise those who make 
the experiment will have merely their 
labor for their pains. 



66 Fishcraft 

In Montana the grayling is still 
found in limited numbers, and the 
Alaska species is reported to be quite 
abundant in certain streams. With 
the knowledge to be gained by careful 
study, and through the co-operation 
of modern fish culturists who may 
make a special feature of this interest- 
ing branch of the science, it is hoped 
this remarkably handsome game fish 
may yet be restored to some degree 
of the former abundance in the waters 
of Michigan, in Montana, and if pos- 
sible, in other portions of the north- 
western states where cold, clear, 
spring-fed streams provide natural 
conditions of apparently the most 
favorable kind. 

The European grayling has long 
been known and admired, but on this 
side of the Atlantic, as before stated, 
it was not supposed to exist, except 
in the far north, where, as Dr. Rich- 
ardson says, with reference to its 
local name and appearance: "The 
Esquimaux title (Hewlook Powak) 
denoting 'wing-like fin,' alludes to its 
magnificent dorsal; it was in refer- 



Fisher aft 67 

ence to the same feature that I be- 
stowed upon it the specific appellation 
of Signifier, 'the Standard-bearer,' in- 
tending also to advert to the rank of 
my companion, Captain Bach, then 
a midshipman, who took the first 
specimen we saw with an artificial 
fly." In honor of Captain Bach, the 
game fish had been named Bach's 
Grayling, as indicated in Dr. Rich- 
ardson's comment. 



THE MASGALONGE OR 
MUSKALLONGE 

"For earliest sport try the waters in May, 
The mascalonge then will be leaping in play, 
But better, by far, is the fishing in June, 
When weirdly re-echoes the cry of the loon ; 
Or, if you prefer the sweet by and by. 
Bring the rod and reel in sultry July." 

T ARGEST and most eagerly sought 
-^^ of the various members of the 
pike family is the mascalonge of the 
northern lakes and rivers. This giant 
of the species is a game fish of high 




Maskinonge. 

order, not by any means ranking with 
the trout or the black bass in genuine 
game qualities, but as the tiger of the 
fresh waters he is credited with great 
lighting power and equal determina- 
tion in resisting capture while 
strength lasts, therefore he is the ac- 
knewledged head of his clan. In the 
far northern portion of the United 



Fisher aft 69 

States and in Canada, the name mas- 
kinonge is a common designation, 
while in other sections the term mus- 
kallunge, or mascalonge, is more fre- 
quently used. The name is from the, 
French masque allonge (long face), 
and maskinonge, the Chippewa term, 
has nearly the same meaning. 

No other game or food fish found in 
fresh waters of the United States ap- 
proaches this king of the pikes in size. 
Dr. E. Sterling mentions having 
speared one, nearly eighty years ago, 
weighing eighty pounds, and in recent 
years specimens of forty to fifty 
pounds in weight have been caught in 
trolling, the usual method of fishing 
for these fish. However, the fisher- 
man fortunate enough to hook and 
land one of twenty pounds is con- 
sidered to be entitled to hearty con- 
gratulations. 

The mascalonge closely resembles 
the larger pike in most respects, but 
can be readily identified by examina- 
tion of the gill covers, the lower half 
of the cheek being destitute of scales 
in the former, while the cheek of the 



70 F is he raft 

pike is full of scales, and the pickerel 
has both cheek and gill cover scales. 
The markings, also, are different to 
some extent, but the certain method 
of identification is as stated. 

This species is found principally in 
the lakes and rivers north of the Ten- 
nessee, and to the westward of the up- 
per Mississippi, the region near the 
great lakes, particularly the states ad- 
joining Lake Superior and Lake 
Michigan, and the St. Lawrence 
River. In addition to furnishing ex- 
citing sport for the angler, the mas- 
calonge is esteemed as a food fish, and 
the devotees who are especially fond 
of catching the "tarpon of the North" 
— a simile adopted doubtless by 
reason of the "muskie's" leap — are 
enthusiastic in praise of the edible 
qualities when served at a club ban- 
quet or wherever a good number of 
fishermen may assemble to feast on 
one big fish of good edible quality. 
Although strong tackle is usually 
deemed indispensible, skillful anglers 
have demonstrated that a compara- 
tively light rod and line will be sufR- 



Fishcrajt 71 

cient to bring a large mascalonge to 
boat or to land, as the case may be, 
provided judgment is used in playing 
the f.sh, and allowing no opportunity 
for the struggling muskie to get slack 
line and shake the bait from his 
mouth. 

In trolling, the live minnow, troll- 
ing spoon, or artificial minnow, are 
favorite baits, and the so-called 
"plug" serves well as a rule. For- 
merly the light row-boat was the 
craft ordinarily used when trolling, 
although the Indian birch-bark canoe 
or the heavier dug-out could be used 
to advantage; but in these days of 
easy locomotion, a motor boat, run- 
ning at carefully gauged speed, gives 
fishing de luxe in using the troll with- 
out effort. Where the water is deep 
near shore, casting from the bank 
sometimes gives good results, and 
greater skill is required in landing 
the fish, thereby adding to the zest, 
as ease of capture is not always re- 
garded with favor by those who are 
able to conquer under difficult con- 
ditions. 



72 Fisher aft 

Good localities for this sport in the 
northern states, are in the vicinity of 
Detroit, Little Falls, and Prior Lake, 
Minn. ; Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. 
Marie and Seney, Mich. ; Butternut, 
Eagle River, Phillips and Pelican, 
Wis. In the eastern states: Clayton, 
Ogdensburg, and Theresa, N. Y. ; 
Barton and Newport, Vt., are excel- 
lent places for "lunge" fishing. 



PIKE AND PICKEREL 

'In shallow cove, near river bank, 

The pickerel-weeds grow green and rank 

In hazel-girdled, crescent bays 

Speckled with isles, an endless maze, 

The yellow-tinted pickerel 

Lie hidden, motionless and still ; 

The dorsal fin, the forked tail 

Scarce stir the waters, clear as air. 
But jaws are open to assail 

And glassy eyes all murderous stare. 
But when the small fry of the lake, 

The minnow and the shiner bright. 
Across the limpid surface break. 

Shooting like pearly sparks of light. 
Then, as an Indian tiger grim 
Rends antler'd stag in jungles dim. 
So doth the water-tyrant slay 
The helpless, unresisting prey." 




Pike. 



HTHERE is a combination of prac- 
■^ tical truth and poetry in the fore- 
going well cast lines, depicting the 
nature of the pickerel, a member of 
the pike -family, the two species differ- 
ing very little in general characteris- 
tics. The ordinary pickerel is perhaps 
the best known and most widely dis- 



74 Fishcrajt 

tributed of fresh water fishes of what 
may be termed the intermediate 
branch — taking rank below the vari- 
ous members of the trout, the black 
bass, and the mascalonge species, and 
higher in the scale than the ordinary 
perch, the crappie, the sun-iish, etc. 
The two popular species inhabit the 
waters of most of the rivers and lakes 
in the Eastern and Western states, 




Pickerel, 



and to some extent in southern v/a- 
ters. 

Confusion exists in possibly a ma- 
jority of localities where these fish 
abound, as to identity or proper no- 
menclature. Both belong to the pike 
family, but many fishermen regard 
the pike-perch — usually called the 
"Wall-eyed pike" — as the true pike, 
although it is in fact a species of the 
perch; while the real pike is ordi- 



Fishcraft 7S 

narily known as a pickerel. The dis- 
tinction of comparatively slight dif- 
ference between the pike, pickerel and 
mascalonge is given in the chapter 
on the last named species, and for 
ready reference it may be well to re- 
peat that the pickerel has cheek and 
gill cover fully grown with scales, 
while the pike has only the cheek cov- 
ering of scales. In size the pickerel 
does not grow to the proportions of 
the great northern pike, and the larger 
members of the mascalonge species 
are generally of much greater weight 
than the biggest pickerel. Generally 
speaking, nearly all species of the pike 
family — excepting the mascalonge 
— are known as pickerel in New York 
and the eastern as well as some of the 
western states ; in the middle states 
they are called pike, and in Virginia 
and southward they are usually 
termed "jack-iish." 

Local names of profusion and lead- 
ing to confusion, exist in various sec- 
tions of the country. A number of the 
best-known names are brook pickerel, 
chain pickerel, channel pickerel, com- 



1(^ Fishcrajt 

mon pickerel, humpback pickerel, 
jack pickerel, Long Island pickerel, 
marsh pickerel, short pickerel and 
trout pickerel ; and of the pike — 
the blue pike, black pike, grass pike, 
gray pike, ground pike, green pike, 
pond pike, streaked pike and trout 
pike. These local names do not, of 
course, indicate that there are any- 
thing like the number of species men- 
tioned, in fact, the difference is usu- 
ally merely that of size, colors, and 
markings — which vary according to 
the environments, depth of water, etc. 
Even where the varieties are of such 
character as to justify classification 
under names of different species, the 
general character is much the same, 
and the methods of fishing differ 
merely as to size of the fish, and their 
natural food in the localities where 
they are caught. 

In England weights and measure- 
ments are given of monster pike so 
large that — lacking verification — 
the records of thousand-pounders are 
regarded as fabulous fish tales, but it 
is doubtless true that in some in- 



Fishcraft 77 

stances remarkably big fish of the 
larger species have been taken. In 
the United States a few cases, seem- 
ingly well authenticated, are recorded 
of catching specimens of the great 
northern pike weighing more than 
seventy-five pounds, or about equal 
to the size of the largest known mas- 
calonge. The taking of these monster 
pike, even if well established, oc- 
curred so long ago, with nothing ap- 
proaching such wonderful size re- 
corded in recent years, that it would 
probably be safe to say the chance of 
catching one of similar size now is 
about on a par with the probability 
of finding a live dodo. The angler 
who is fortunate enough to hook and 
land either of the large species of pike 
weighing ten pounds may consider 
himself "high hook," as a rule, and 
if he catches a bigger one, he is to be 
envied, probably, by his associates. 

Trolling is the usual method of fish- 
ing for the various species of pike and 
pickerel. Live minnows are attrac- 
tive bait, and several kinds of artifi- 
cial spinners, trolling spoons, min- 



78 Fishcraft 

nows, etc., are used successfully in 
this branch of fishing. Ordinarily a 
boat is used to cover the best fishing 
grounds, and with light motor boat 
it is a very easy style of angling. Cast- 
ing from the shore, and trolling along 
the banks, are also favorite methods 
with some who are fond of pike or 
pickerel fishing. The gameness of 
these fish is not of the highest order, 
as they seldom leap from the water, 
and do not give the royal battle of a 
black bass of equal weight, but instead 
of fighting with the tactics of genuine 
game fish, resort to pulling steadily on 
the line, until exhausted, and then 
yield without further resistance. In 
rare instances the pike and pickerel 
have been known to rise to the fly, 
but so seldom that no dependence can 
be placed on their so doing, and there- 
fore the angler does not attempt fly- 
fishing for any of the various species, 
but may, by chance, take one while 
casting for black bass. 

As a food fish the pike is fairly 
good, although somewhat coarse, and 
not nearly equal, in the opinion of 



Fisher aft 79 

most rodsters, to the pike-perch, or 
"wall-eyed pike." In the cold, spring- 
fed lakes and streams the fish are far 
better food than those of the warmer 
waters, and, as in most other fishes, 
the game qualities are of higher order 
when found in places where cold 
springs furnish the fountain head or 
supply. 

Resorts for pike and pickerel fish- 
ing are so numerous that it is hardly 
necessary to specify by name the 
noted lakes, ponds and rivers where 
these fishes abound. However, a few 
of the famous fishing resorts in this 
line are the St. Lawrence waters, in 
the Thousand Island region; the 
Eagle River and Eagle Waters, in 
Wisconsin ; and the waters near 
Mackinac Island, in Michigan. 



OTHER GAME AND FOOD 
FISHES 

"OTHILE a comparatively small por- 
^ ^ tion of the anglers of America 
have the opportunities to fish for and 
scientifically catch the famous game 
fishes, casting the artificial fly, and 
using the finest tackle, millions of 
fishers equally keen in their enjoy- 
ment of the sport of angling, find their 
pastime restricted to taking the com- 
mon, but more or less gamy species 
in the nearby waters. Common fishes 
and common fishing, therefore, de- 
serve something more than passing 
notice. The catching of what is 
known as an ordinary pan-fish, with 
a common "pole," cheap cotton line, 
simple hook, a cork float, and lead 
sinker for tackle, may bring to the 
fisher genuine joy as thrilling — in 
its way — as that of landing a salmon 
does to the scientific angler. Who 
shall decide the comparative degrees 
of pleasure experienced by devotees 
indulging in the time-honored sport, 
or set the relative merits of the vari- 



Fisher aft 81 

ous methods on a scale as strictly 
graded as that of music? 

That there is the exquisite melody 
of an aeolian harp or of the Italian 
opera in the music of the reel, to the 
angler who thoroughly understands 
playing his fish to this tune, is, of 
course, admitted, but the lone fisher- 
man of lesser skill — or none at all — 
in the higher branch of the art, is per- 
haps as delighted in playing a minor 
air, making the small fishes dance to 
the vibration of a taut line, and bring- 
ing them in without any accompani- 
ment except the beating of his own 
heart. 

The multitude of small finny mem- 
bers of the various common species 
may be said to comprise the great 
common school of fishes. To attend 
this school, to apply the rod when- 
ever and wherever it will do the most 
good as a means of bringing a reason- 
able number "out of the wet," is really 
worthy the attention of all those fond 
of a fascinating, healthful form of 
study; in short, willing and anxious 
to follow the fixed resolve of a famous 



82 Fishcraft 

General — "light it out on this Hne 
if it takes all summer," using not all 
the time, but vacation time, holiday 
time, or any time that can be spared 
for the purpose. 

Rock Bass 

Throughout the wide territory in- 
cluded in the Great Lakes region and 
the Mississippi Valley this species of 




Rock Bass. 



fish is especially abundant, affording 
fairly good sport and desirable food 
to hosts of rodsters. The rock bass 
has many local names, the best known 
of these being Goggle-Eye, Rock Sun- 
fish, Red-Eye, and War-Mouth. The 
usual habitat is the clear waters of the 
rivers, lakes and ponds ; the best time 
for taking them is during summer 



Fisher aft 83 

and autumn. The weight ranges up 
to about one and a half pounds. Com- 
mon baits are worms and small min- 
nows, and the tackle about the same 
as that in fishing for small black bass. 

Strawberry Bass 

Few, if any, of the small lishes are 
more widely distributed or more gen- 




strawberry (Calico) Bass. 

erally sought than the strawberry 
bass, variously known as the Crappie, 
Calico Bass, Strawberry Perch, Grass 
Bass, Silver Bass, Big Fin Bass, 
Bank Lick Bass, Bar Fish, Razor 
Back, Goggle-Eyed Perch, etc. The 
range is much the same as that of 
the rock bass, and the method of 
fishing similar. It is found further 



84 Fishcrajt 

south, perhaps, than the rock bass, 
being common in the streams of 
the CaroHnas and Georgia, as well 
as in other waters of that latitude. 
The ordinary weight of the straw- 
berry bass is a pound or less, but large 
specimens are occasionally taken, 
weighing up to three pounds. 

Yellow Bass 

The yellow bass, sometimes called 




Yellow Bass. 



Bar Fish, is not so common in north- 
the striped bass. In weight it runs 
ern as in southern waters ; in the 
lower Mississippi and some of its trib- 
utaries. It takes rank with the white 
bass, and to some extent resembles 
that popular salt-water game fish. 



Fishcrajt 85 

from one to three pounds, and the best 
rod for this kind of fishing is the Hght 
trout rod, or a black bass bait rod of 
the lighter weight, using minnows for 
bait. 

White Bass 

This species, - often termed the 
Striped Lake Bass, resembles the 
striped bass of the sea more closely 




White Bass. 



than does the yellow bass, and is quite 
abundant in the Great Lakes region, 
also in moderate numbers is found in 
the Ohio River, its principal tribu- 
taries, and various streams in the 
south. It ordinarily inhabits the 
deeper parts of the rivers and lakes, 
and its weight is from one to three 
pounds. With four-ounce brook trout 



86 Fishcraft 

rod and light tackle, using either 
worm or minnow for bait, good suc- 
cess may be had in white bass fishing 
during summer or autumn, wherever 
this species is fairly plentiful. The 
weight ordinarily runs from one 
pound to three pounds. 

The Grappie 

In southern waters, from the Ohio 
River to the Gulf, this species is 
abundant. The fish is similar in size 
and appearance to the Strawberry 
Bass, or "Northern Crappie," as it is 
frequently called, of lakes and streams 
in the northern states. Popular 
names for this much-sought fish, are 
New Light, Croppie, Bachelor, Camp- 
bellite, Sac-a-lait, Bridge Perch, 
Chinquapin Perch, Speckled Perch, 
Goggle-Eye, Shad, Tin Mouth, etc. 
Light rod and tackle, with worm or 
minnow bait, are best for this sort 
of fishing. 

Yellow Perch 

One of the best known of small 
fishes in the waters of the northern 
and eastern lakes, rivers and ponds. 



Fishcraft 87 

Although smaller in size than the 
other fresh water fishes of intermedi- 
ate division, the yellow perch is in 
some respects and in certain locali- 
ties regarded as a game fish of higher 
order than its larger kindred, for the 
reason that it will rise to the fly, and 
sometimes affords good sport to the 




Yellow Perch. 



artificial fly fisherman. In fly-fishing 
for yellow perch, use the four-ounce 
fly-rod; in bait-fishing a six-ounce 
bait rod. Small flies — red, brown, 
gray and white — are used. In size 
the fish does not average more than 
a half pound, but occasionally a speci- 
men of two and even as high as four 
pounds are taken. Quiet waters, cov- 
ering sandy or pebbly bottom, are the 
favorite haunts of the yellow perch. 



"88 Fisher aft 

White Perch 

This species, like the yellow perch, 
will sometimes rise to the fly, and is, 
therefore, popular with fly-fishers, the 
tackle used being similar to that in 
brook trout fishing. From the far 
northern waters — the lakes and 
streams of the St. John River and 
New Brunswick region — to the riv- 
ers of North Carolina and the Dela- 
ware River, the white perch is more or 
less abundant. It is often found in 
tidal streams, and in such locations 
a taking bait is the shrimp or small 
fish, while in fresh water the worm, 
minnow and artificial fly are attrac- 
tive. In the brackish waters it is often 
found on the flat clay or muddy bot- 
toms of the rather shallow places. 
Small flies, bright colored, similar to 
trout flies, are favorites in fly-fishing 
for white perch. 

The Shad 

By the majority of people the shad 
is known mainly, if not exclusively, 
as a delicate, fine-flavored food fish • — 
a choice delicacy for the table, but 
having the one objection of innumer- 



Fishcraft 89 

able small bones, vexing to the gor- 
mandizer. The shad, like the salmon, 
comes from salt water into fresh 
water, and the best sport in catching 
this species is with the artificial fly, 
in the tide-water streams along the 
Atlantic coast. The weight of the 
shad varies greatly, specimens having 
been caught of as high as eight 
pounds, but those of two to four 
pounds are game fish affording ex- 
cellent sport, care being taken to 
avoid heavy strikes, as the mouth is 
very tender. In spring-time, with 
brook trout tackle, fly-fishing for shad 
is now one of the favorite sports with 
a few expert anglers along the At- 
lantic coast. Early morning hours, 
and from five to eight o'clock in the 
evening, are best for shad fishing, and 
a very taking fly is the Scarlet Ibis, 
on a small hook. "Planked shad" 
are doubly appreciated by the man 
who has caught them with a fly, says 
an ardent fly-fisher. 

' Mud Shad 
This species, believed to be a land- 
locked common shad — or descend- 



90 Fishcraft 

ant of the latter species — is quite 
plentiful in some of the inland lakes 
and streams, particularly in the larger 
streams of the Mississippi Valley, the 
St. John's Rivers, the Potomac, and 
in a few of the other large lakes and 
rivers of the north. Entrance to the 
great lakes was through the canals. 
Common names are the Lake Shad, 
Hickory Shad, Winter Shad, Gizzard 
Shad, White-Eyed Shad, Thread Her- 
ring, etc. It is a prized food fish, but 
lacks the game qualities of the shad 
in coastal v/aters. 

The Whitefish 

Quite a number of species of the 
whitefish inhabit the waters of the 
Great Lakes region, and westward to 
the Pacific, northward to Labrador, 
as well as some of the streams tribu- 
tary to the Missouri. It is one of the 
best of food fishes, and as a game fish 
one or two species take high rank, 
mainly on account of the mystery at- 
tached to their movements and the 
short period during which they can 
be caught with the artificial fly. The 



F is he raft 91 

celebrated Cisco, of Lake Geneva, 
Wisconsin, is probably most famous, 
rising readily to the fly during a pe- 
riod of about two weeks in May or 
June, while the natural "cisco fly" 
hovers over the water, then suddenly 
disappearing into deeper water — its 
usual habitat — until the next season. 
Although ichthyologists name no less 
than thirteen species of whitefish, 
none except the cisco is regarded as in 
any sense a game fish, and this of a 
rather doubtful nature, the cisco be- 
ing a surface-feeder for so short a 
period, and then eagerly taking any- 
thing resembling the natural fly. 
Local names of the various species of 
w^hitefish include Lake Herring, 
Michigan Herring, Cisco, Lake 
Whitefish, Frostfish, Mountain Her- 
ring, Rocky Mountain Whitefish, 
Roundfish, Shad Waiter, Black-Fin, 
etc. 

The Herring 

The branch herring, otherwise 
known as Alewife, Big-Eyed Herring, 
Gaspergou, Sprat and Whitebait, is 
common in the large lakes of New 



92 Fishcraft 

York, and in the tide-water rivers 
along the Atlantic coast, where it is 
esteemed a fine food fish, and a fair 
game fish at times, as it is caughr. with 
artificial fly under favorable condi- 
tions in Lake Ontario and elsewhere. 
The inland herring, variously called 
Alewife, Skipjack, and Shad-Herring, 
has a wide range from the larger 
streams of the upper Mississippi Val- 
ley, in Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, 
southward to the Gulf of Mexico, as 
it descends to the deep waters and 
presumably the ocean, from the 
streams tributary to the Mississippi. 
Its food is mainly worms in the fresh 
water and crustaceans in brackish 
waters. It is ordinarily about one 
foot in length. 

Bullhead and Catfish 

Whether the bullhead is a separate 
species or merely a small catfish, sig- 
nifies nothing to the fisher-boy whose 
early triumphs in the way of catching 
fish in the mill-pond, lake or river, 
resulted perhaps in catching one or 
the other of these fresh water food- 



Fisher aft 93 

fish. While they lack every essen- 
tial of the game-fish, yet the bullhead 
aflFords enough excitement to satisfy 
the ardor of a beginner, and a suffi- 
cient size and quality to appease his 
hunger, after returning home filled 
with enthusiasm but clamorous for a 
feast of freshly-caught fish. Skill is 




Catfish (Bullhead). 

not required, to any great degree, in 
catching either bullheads or catfish — 
probably the most willing biters and 
bolters of bait to be found in fresh- 
water fishdom — but a little skillful- 
ness is needed to escape one of the 
"horns of the dilemma" in removing 
the fish from the hook, for the creature 
seems armed to the teeth, with an ad- 
ditional spear of defense on the back. 
Still fishing is the usual method of 



94 Fisher aft 

catching, the range of bait almost as 
great as the appetite of the fish, and 
the time may be from dawn to dewy 
eve, or during the still hours of the 
night, for none of the iinny tribe can 
excel the bullhead or catfish as night 
ramblers and bottom feeders. A set 
pole will, in fact, do the. work if the 
fisher lacks either energy or time to 
attend to the primitive sport, but the 
active fisher-boy seldom wishes to be 
absent when the wriggling prey takes 
the hook and begins the stout strug- 
gle for freedom. In small ponds the 
bullhead rarely exceeds three or four 
pounds in weight, but the catfish of 
the Great Lakes sometimes reaches 
one hundred pounds, and the chan- 
nel-cat of the Mississippi attains to 
one hundred and fift}^ pounds ; no 
child's play to land, whether hooked 
from boat, wharf, or in mid-stream 
by "jugging" — that is, fishing with 
large jugs, to which strong line and 
hook is attached, the bait to be near 
bottom, and allowing the jug to float 
slowly down stream, followed by the 
fisherman. 



Fisher aft 95 

The Branch Herring 

Although this is, strictly speaking, 
a salt water species, it is so frequently 
caught in the tide water streams along 
the Atlantic coast that it deserves 
mention as a fish affording sport to 
the fresh water angler. The branch 
herring is perhaps best known as the 
''alewife," and in spring-time many 
are taken with artificial flies in the 
rivers of the Atlantic coast, from 
the Albemarle and Potomac rivers, 
northward to the Connecticut, and 
along the tide-water streams of Mas- 
sachusetts and Maine. The land- 
locked division of the species, in the 
large inland lakes, also furnish sport 
to anglers, and good food to the 
masses. 

The Smelt 

This excellent fish, better known as 
a table delicacy than as a species of 
interest to the angler, is one furnish- 
ing fairly good sport, usually late in 
the season, as winter approaches, and 
can then be found quite abundant in 
the channels and creeks near the 
coast, from the Cjulf of St. Lawrence 



96 Fisher aft 

to Virginia. One species of smelt is 
also found along the Pacific coast, 
ranging from California northward. 
The average size is about six inches in 
length, and the best lure is worm bait, 
held within a foot or two of the bot- 
tom. 

Pike-Perch 

In many inland waters, from the 
extreme northern states to the Caro- 




Pike-Perch (Wall-Eye). 

Unas, the pike-perch, more familiarly 
known as the wall-eyed pike, gives 
rather exciting sport to the fisherman, 
especially those fond of still fishing 
and trolling. The pike-perch fre- 
quents both lakes and streams, and 
can sometimes be taken with the ar- 
tificial fly, using for morning fishing 
a dark-colored bass fly, and for eve- 
ning fishing a light-colored fly. The 



Fisher aft 97 

best live baits are frog, minnow, craw- 
fish and worm. For trolling bait it 
is advisable to use a spoon not larger 
than No. 3, or if live bait, preferably 
the minnow. In appearance the pike- 
perch bears some resemblance to both 
the perch and the pike, therefore the 
hyphenated name was given by ich- 
thyologists. It is usually found in the 
deep waters of the lakes and in the 
rivers it frequents rapids or swift-run- 
ning portions. In weight it runs from 
one pound to six pounds, rarely reach- 
ing ten pounds. The pike-perch is 
quite abundant in Michigan, Wiscon- 
sin, New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Mis- 
souri, Tennessee, West Virginia, and 
Arkansas. 

The Sunfish 

In boyhood, the first line of invi- 
tation cast to a finny friend is very 
likely to be dropped to the sunfish, 
commonly called "pumpkin-seed," 
and happy the lad whose offer was ac- 
cepted. In various sections the little 
fish — seldom weighing more than 
one and one-half pounds — is known 
under the name of Sunny, Brim, Red- 



98 Fishcrajt 

Bellied Bream, Sun Perch, Red-Bel- 
lied Perch, Red-Breast, Blue Bream, 
Copper-Nosed Bream, etc. It is quite 
plentiful in the lakes and ponds of the 
Great Lake region and in streams 
from Maine to Georgia. Angleworms 
are killing bait, but under favorable 
conditions the sunfish will take the 




Sun Fish. 



artificial trout fly, brook trout tackle 
being used. This fish is usually found 
in waters that are still and clear. 

The Chub 

This is another finny favorite of 
juvenile fishers, and by no means con- 
fined to the attention of boys, for 
many older anglers find chub-fishing 



Fishcraft 99 

well worth while, especially when the 
higher class fishes are not to be found, 
or refuse to bite. The weight depends 
mainly on the habitat, as the chub of 
the brook is usually quite small, while 
in larger streams specimens of good 
size are frequently taken, sometimes 
from eighteen to twenty inches in 
length. For still fishing use a grass- 
hopper or grubworm ; and for fly- 
fishing, a lure with big red body. In 
trout streams where the chub is also 
an inhabitant he is more or less of a 
nuisance, as he is likely to take the 
fly eagerly just when the angler has 
reason to expect a rise from a brook 
trout, and in some cases the chub 
seizes the second fly when the fisher is 
almost ready to land the trout he is 
playing on the other fly. Good old 
Thad. Norris relates interesting inci- 
dents of this kind in connection with 
trouting on the Beaverkill and other 
streams. 

The Shiner 

Ranking low on the list among 
American fishes that take the hook, 
the shiner is by no means least in the 



100 Fisher aft 

estimation of the average fisher-boy 
who finds his angHng activities con- 
fined to small brooks or waters devoid 
of brook trout. Given his choice be- 
tween taking a shining silver dollar 
or catching a large shiner, the en- 
thusiastic youthful angler would be 
very likely to take the latter. This 
is based upon the invariable answer 
to that ancient, yet ever ready ju- 
venile question: "Which would you 
rather do or go a-fishing.'"' — ambigu- 
ous, but exciting to the boyish mind 
and heart. There is but one answer; 
except possibly when the circus comes 
to town. The shiner is otherwise 
known as the Red Fin, Red Dace, 
Minnow, Minnie, etc., but under any 
name he is a popular and usually 
"far-flung" prize in the country boy's 
annals of angling. In length the 
shiner seldom, if ever, exceeds ten 
inches, but that does not measure the 
joy of catching — a fact forever im- 
pressed on the memory of him who 
recalls "the first little minnow he 
caught with a pin." 



Fisher aft 101 

The Bream 

This little favorite, a member of 
the Percoid or perch family, is most 
frequently found in small streams and 
lakelets of the eastern states, and 
along the Mississippi valley. It is 
prized as an excellent pan fish, and 
affords fair sport to the angler, the 
ordinary method being still fishing, 
with short, light rod, a short line, No. 
3 Kirby hook, baited with minnow, 
red worm, shrimp or crawfish; the 
bait to be from sixteen to twenty-four 
inches below the float. Two species 
are famiHar to anglers — the Blue 
Bream, or Copper-Nosed Bream, 
about eight inches in length, at most, 
and the Red-BelHed Perch, or Red- 
Tailed Bream; a third species, less 
known, being the Goggle-Eye, or 
War-Mouth Perch, a fish with dark 
green mottled back and brilliant sides. 
All these are often miscalled sunfish, 
or Sun Perch, as they frequent the 
same waters, and the resemblance is 
evident. 



HOW TO MAKE ARTIFICIAL 
FLIES 

"Mark well the various seasons of the year, 
How the succeeding insect race appear, 
In their revolving moon one color reigns, 
Which in the next the fickle trout disdains ; 
Oft have I seen a skillful angler try ■ 
The various colors of the treach'rous fly ; 
When he with fruitless pain hath skim'd the brook, 
And the coy fish rejects the skipping hook. 
He shakes the boughs that on the margin grow, 
Which o'er the stream a weaving forest throw ; 
When if an insect fall (his certain guide). 
He gently takes him from the whirling tide ; 
Examines well his form with curious eyes, 
His gaudy vest, his wings, his horns, his size. 
Then round his hook the chosen fur he winds, 
And on the back a speckled feather binds ; 
So just the colors shine through every part. 
That insect seems to live again in art." 

'T^HE best way in which to catch 
trout, and even bass, is with a 
fly; although the ftsh takes the fly 
because he thinks it is a real live one, 
he is not particular about having it 
look exactly like a live one. 

A fly is made this way: hold the 
hook by the bend and wind the tying 
thread which has been thoroughly 
waxed, and should be of silk, several 
times around the straight shank; by 
winding it on the shank it is brought 



F is he raft 103 

down to the point at which the bend 
begins. A fibre or two of feather, or a 
few strong hairs from a squirrel or 
buck-tail, are wound in under the ty- 
ing thread at this point; these make 
the tail of the fly, and should be about 
as long as the whole hook. Then, 
with a few turns of the thread the 
bodv material is fastened in at the 




Artificial Flies. 



same point. This material may either 
be silk or wool ; sometimes it is fur 
which has been spun on the thread 
between the fingers — the wax hold- 
ing it there until it has been wound in, 
Before commencing to wind the 
body material on the hook, the tying 
thread is brought up near the eye of 
the hook (by winding), and left there 
in readiness for making the end of the 



104 Fisher aft 

body material fast. By fastening a 
little weight to the thread it may be 
allowed to hang free without having 
it unwind. When the body has been 
wound on, the end is made secure by 
taking a few turns over it with the 
silk thread. The wings are made 
from sections of one side of a feather ; 
cut two sections out of the proper 
size (they should extend out over the 
end of the hook a little when com- 
pleted), and holding them down on 
the top of the shank up near the eye, 
make them fast by a few turns of the 
thread ; then cut off the stumps which 
extend forward. 

The next step is to tie in the hackles 
which represent the legs of the fly. 
Hackle feathers are found on the 
necks and saddles of game cocks ; for 
certain kinds of flies hen's hackles 
or even partridge hackles are used.' 
Strip all the fuzzy part of the feather 
off, and holding it by the tip end, pull 
it through the fingers of the other 
hand; this will make all the fibres 
stand out from the quill. Then tie 
in the tip end just in front of the 



Fisher aft 105 

wings ; by winding the hackle around 
the hook, both in front of and behind 
the wings, the legs are put on the fly. 
Fasten the tying thread off by tying 
a few half-hitches just back of the eye 
of the hook, and to make sure that 
this will "stay put," touch the knot 
with a little varnish on the end of a 
match. When it has dried hard the 
thread is protected, and the hitches 
stuck tight. 

With a pin pick out any fibres of the 
hackle that may have been caught un- 
der when winding it on ; if the wings 
are too big they may be trimmed off 
with scissors. However, it is much 
better to make the wings the proper 
size in the beginning, as it makes 
them look stiff and unnatural to trim 
them later. 

A plain hackle fly may be made 
without wings. The tail and body are 
wound in as explained above; in- 
stead of tying in a pair of wings, wind 
either one or two hackles in, and fin- 
ish off as 'directed. Hackle flies are 
supposed to represent spiders or cater- 



106 Fisher aft 

pillars, according to the shape in 
which they are made. 

There is another way in which to 
put on the wings of a regular fly, 
which will prove to be a more secure 
method. Instead of holding them on 
the shank of the hook so that they 
point backwards, place them so that 
they will extend out over the eye of 
the hook; fasten down with a few 
turns of silk, and then bend them 
back into their proper position and 
make secure there by several more 
turns of thread. Wings made in this 
wav are known as "reversed wings." 



HOW TO CAST A FLY 

"And here, where the eddies, so pearly white, 
Sink away into gloom or wheel into light, 
Where the trunk of decaying pine-tree doth throw 
Its leaning bridge over the current's flow, 
The patient angler, with rod and line, 
May cast his flies and his tackle so fine, 
And soon his basket a treasure will hold 
Of azure fishes o'rspangled with gold." 

TN order to cast a fly one must have 
a fairly limber rod, and a line of 
the kind that is known as "enam- 
elled" ; this means a silk line that has 
been covered with a dressing of water- 
proof material which gives it a very 
smooth finish, and adds weight to it. 
It is the weight of the line that makes 
it possible to cast a fly, just as it is the 
weight of a long whip lash that makes 
it possible to throw the lash out full 
length. 

Pull out about twenty feet of line, 
and lay it on the ground in front of 
you ; then pick up the rod, holding it 
in the right hand with the thumb ex- 
tended along the top of the handle. 
On a fly rod the reel should be placed 
below the hand grasp, and when held 
in position for casting the reel should 



108 Fisher aft 

be underneath the rod with the handle 
to the right. 

Now, with a quick, snappy motion, 
throw the Hne out in the air behind 
you; this is best done by keeping 
the right elbow close to the side, and 
only using the forearm and wrist in 
making the back cast. The rod must 
not be allowed to go further back than 
the shoulder; in other words, it must 
be straight up in the air when the 
back cast has been completed. Be- 
fore the line has time to drop to the 
ground behind you, you bring the rod 
forward with a smart motion, and 
thus throw the line out on the ground 
in front of you. It is best to learn 
how to cast on the ground instead of 
over the water, as the line may be 
placed in a straight line fully ex- 
tended, before trying to make a back 
cast. As soon as you have gained a 
little experience and skill, this part 
may be omitted, because you will be 
able to throw the line out straight 
when you make the forward cast. 

Unless you allow plenty of time for 
the line to straighten out in the air 



Fisher aft 109 

behind you, the flies will be snapped 
off with a loud crack ; thus, when the 
back cast has been made, it is neces- 
sary to stand perfectly still for an in- 
stant, not making the forward cast 
until the line has had time to 
straighten out. Of course you must 
not wait so long that it will have fallen 
to the ground ; if you get a friend to 
watch and tell you just the moment 
the line is fully extended, it will help 
you to time this pause correctly. 

You have seen that a complete cast 
is made as follows : the back cast, the 
pause, and the forward cast. If the 
rod is allowed to come down too close 
to the ground in making the forward 
cast the fly will alight on the water 
like a "ton of bricks" ; therefore, you 
must stop the motion of the rod when 
it is about half way between the per- 
pendicular and the ground — in other 
words, when it makes an angle of 
about forty-flve degrees with the 
ground. Another important matter 
is to aim the fly at a point several feet 
above the surface of the water ; then 
when the line has become fully ex- 



no Fisher aft 

tended in front of you, it will drop 
quietly instead of coming down with 
a splash. 

If you wish to extend the line 
further, you make what are known 
as several false casts in the air, not 
allowing it to touch the water either 
in front or behind you ; during the 
progress of these false casts more line 
is stripped off the reel by the left hand, 
and allowed to work out through the 
guides on the rod. In fact it is very 
wise always to hold the line in the left 
hand, grasping it between the reel and 
lirst guide; this allows you to strip 
in when a fish has been hooked with- 
out having to shift the rod from one 
hand to the other in order to turn the 
crank on the reel. 



STILL FISHING 

TT is reasonable to believe and prob- 
-■■ ably safe to assert that the very 
earliest form of angling was still fish- 
ing. It is not, of course, one of the 
scientific methods of fishing, but it 
puts to the test that ever essential 
quality, patience, and the other trait 
so often mentioned in commenting on 
what is known as the contemplative 
art, for there is self-truth in good old 
Izaak Walton's lines — referring, 
doubtless, to the ancient and pre- 
sumably everlasting branch of an- 
gling, still fishing — 

"One hand alone my work can do, 
So I can fish and study too." 

The first efforts of the youthful an- 
gler are naturally in the line of still 
fishing. The bob and sinker are re- 
garded as important parts of the out- 
fit, if fishing in deep water, but in the 
swift-running brook the bob is not re- 
quired, and the sinker, if used, should 
be small. In either case there will 
be good reason for patience and for 



112 Fisher aft 

the meditative mood, when fish do 
not bite freely. The study of fish and 
fishing, in this primitive form, is not 
tiresome but rather of the restful 
kind, to the enthusiastic beginner, 
and it often happens that still fishing 
continues to be the favorite form of 
angling through life. 

The brook and the rapid river are 
not so favorable for still fishing as the 
deeper, quiet lake, or the old mill 
pond, where, as a rule, the country 
boy makes his first venture in angling. 
The angle-worm or common grub- 
worm is most frequently used for bait, 
and the rod is ordinarily of the sim- 
plest kind, a reel being attached if the 
fisher is at all ambitious to have the 
excitement of testing his skill in play- 
ing his fish before landing it. In fact, 
w^hen a specimen is hooked — perhaps 
a large, open-mouthed catfish, or a 
monster pickerel — the reel will be 
found something more than orna- 
mental ; it may be the means of saving 
a finny prize that would have broken 
either rod or line and escaping, to the 
deep disappointment of the angler. 



Fisher aft 113 

Selecting suitable places for still 
fishing depends on local conditions. 
It is generally safe to select the deeper 
pools instead of shallow water, and in 
summer weather, especially, comfort 
and convenience will incline one to 
such choice in seeking to attract the 
fishes to his lure. After finding the 
depth of the water, care should be 
taken to fasten the float so that the 
bait will be near but not upon the 
bottom. In some cases the fish are 
bottom feeders, and when this is 
found to be the case, the bait may be 
permitted to rest upon the bottom. 
Then at other times or places, the fish 
may be found feeding nearer the sur- 
face, or perhaps in mid depth, and the 
careful angler will, of course, regulate 
his float and bait accordingly. Hooks 
of medium size should be used for 
ordinary fishing, but when either very 
large, or unusually small fish are 
known to be most numerous in the 
waters fished, hooks of suitable size 
are to be preferred. With a fair 
variety to select from, there need be 
little if any difficulty in this respect. 



114 Fisher aft 

For real ease and restfulness still 
fishing of course takes first rank, as it 
requires no exertion beyond that of 
landing a fish when hooked, and this 
cannot be called strenuous, except 
with the big ones. Comfortably 
seated on a convenient log or rock, or 
on the grass-grown bank, in the shade 
of a fine old forest tree, the still-fisher 
is certainly a picture of comfort and 
content. He may even drift into 
dreamland, but caution against drop- 
ping into the water, from an over- 
hanging bank, should impel the fisher 
to adopt the motto of safety first. 
There is none of the toil of fly-casting, 
and if any flies seem inclined to 
bother the still fisher, he can remedy, 
if not remove this trouble, by use of 
mosquito netting around his hat- 
brim, and fastened around his neck 
by light rubber cord. 

Ordinarily the sport of still-fishing 
is enjoyed most by very youthful and 
by very old anglers ; the first on ac- 
count of lack of skill to successfully 
try more scientific methods, the latter 
by reason of failing vigor and the un- 



Fiskcrajt 115 

abated ardor which leads them to con- 
tinue their favorite recreation in some 
form, even the most primitive. Once 
an angler, always an angler, is doubt- 
less a true saying, so it will be seen 
that the aged devotee is still fond of 
the sport, still fishing, so to speak. 



PIER FISHING 

n^HERE is a form of fresh water 
■^ fishing affording excellent sport 
where conditions are favorable ; in 
fact, the best near-by angling to be 
had by residents of some of the larger 
cities and towns along the great lakes 
and the big rivers of the interior, viz., 
fishing from the piers. On the sea 
coast this has been brought to a per- 
fected system, certain piers being used 
mainly or in some cases exclusively, 
for fishing, and although the expense 
involved may prevent adopting this 
plan in the smaller towns, the large 
cities could certainly provide such fa- 
cilities, either through official or other 
means of raising the necessary money 
for the purpose. In any case, pro- 
vision should be made that one pier 
— more, if possible — be open to the 
public; private and club enterprise 
being always able to look after the 
interests of those favored by fortune. 
Permits for erection of such piers 
should not be difficult to secure in 
any city, even where funds are not 



Fisher aft 117 

available to build at municipal cost; 
and acting under such restriction as 
might be necessary with regard to 
placing, it is probable that public- 
spirited citizens — anglers of course 
leading — would soon subscribe the 
amount required for a modest, sub- 
stantial pier designed for, and dedi- 
cated to, the time-honored Waltonian 
pastime. As a means of promoting 
health and happiness, with whole- 
some food more readily obtained at 
slight expense, it would be difficult 
to name anything outside of abso- 
lutely essential needs, that could be 
more beneficial for the comparatively 
slight cost. 

In connection with the establishing 
of fishing piers, and of equal im- 
portance to the angling fraternity, is 
the annual restocking of the waters 
with game and food fish adapted to 
the local conditions. In this good 
work, fortunately, state and national 
co-operation can be assured, as the 
Fish Comrnissioners are ever ready 
to help restore depleted waters with 



118 Fisher ajt 

the young fry, and the hatcheries have 
proved sources of bountiful supply. 

The methods of angling from piers 
are varied, still fishing being most 
common, but at certain places, and 
favorable times, long distance casting 
is possible and good results probable. 
As to variety, the range is wide, tak- 
ing in any and all of the species of 
fishes inhabiting the local waters, and 
the angler enjoying this form of recre- 
ation, with all its "glorious possibili- 
ties," may well feel that he is the peer 
of any devotee of the gentle art. On 
the score of economy, nothing less ex- 
pensive could be devised, and with 
experience as a teacher, the fish hatch- 
ery as provider, skill and a moderate 
amount of good luck should bring to 
the landing-net such satisfactory net 
results that the angler's cup of joy 
and his creel will be fairly well filled. 

Where public fishing piers exist, 
crowded conditions will, of course, 
come occasionally, when perfect fish- 
ing days appeal to all those fond of 
rod and line. These are the times that 
try men's souls, as far as angling can 



Fisher aft 119 

do so, for tangled lines may lead 
vexed fishers to believe it is a game of 
cross purposes, but good sense, com- 
bined with good humor, will help 
loosen the snarls without loss of tem- 
per or any portion of the tackle. To 
engage in a war of words will cast a 
black cloud even on the brightest day, 
and possibly prevent further unpleas- 
ant casting during that angling ses- 
sion. 

Where peace prevails, and rigid 
rules exclude rough characters from 
the fishing pier, what better family 
diversion can be found when the 
weather favors ? From every angle — 
and few, if any, outdoor pastimes 
offer a greater number — fresh water 
angling, measured in the scale of 
merit, gives the fair-minded fisher full 
value for his expenditure of time and 
money; and fishing from the piers 
may be made one of the methods most 
highly approved, most readily en- 
gaged in, and most economical of all 
to dwellers in pent-up cities and 
towns on the*banks of large lakes and 
rivers throughout the United States. 



FISHING THROUGH THE ICE 

'T^HE sport of angling may be made 
an almost an all-the-year-round 
recreation, even in the northern 
states, by hardy fishers who are not to 
be chilled in their enthusiasm by cold 
weather, and for this reason will not 
yield to a "winter of discontent," as 
hshing through the ice affords excel- 
lent sport when conditions are favora- 
ble. It may be made a very com- 
fortable pastime, and well worth the 
attention of all fresh water anglers, 
by taking care to provide everything 
necessary to guard against the cold 
winter weather. 

The outfit for fishing through the 
ice, aside from tackle similar to that 
ordinarily required for lake or river 
lishing, consists in a tent or a snugly- 
built little cot, some four feet in 
width by six feet in length, with roof, 
in which a hole has been cut of size 
large enough to permit a stove pipe 
to be put through ; in the interior, a 
small sheet-iron stove, with any ar- 
rangement desired for convenience or 



Fisher aft 121 

comfort of the occupant, or the two 
who may occupy it, for the pleasure 
is often greater when a congenial com- 
panion participates in the pastime of 
winter fishing. Low runners should 
be attached, if the shelter is built in 
box-house form; but with a tent, a 
hand-sled will serve to take this from 
place to place, as may be necessary. 

Cut a hole in the ice — a little more 
than a foot in diameter — and through 
this fishing can be done with either 
natural or artificial bait. Often, when 
the weather has been quite severe, 
and the ice very thick on this account, 
with few, if any, air holes on the lake 
or pond, the fish will come in numbers 
to the newly-made fishing hole, and 
may be readily caught with any suit- 
able bait. A fiash light or other ar- 
tificial light can be used to good ad- 
vantage when desired, and the fishing 
hut closed from the winter winds, 
warmed by the fire within, will be 
found remarkably cosy and com- 
fortable. 

In mild or moderate winter 
weather, there will be no necessity for 



122 Fisher aft 

either hut or tent, and the anglers, on 
skates, can cover quite a distance in 
seeking the best places, cutting holes 
in the ice at intervals, and, if the fish- 
ers are so inclined, a "tip-up" appli- 
ance can be placed at each fishing 
pole, the simple arrangement consist- 
ing of a baited hook attached to a 
strong line, and this fastened to a 
stout stick, perhaps six feet in length, 
in place of rod, and firmly fixing the 
short pole on a cross-piece over the 
hole in the ice, the outward end of 
the impromptu "rod" to be decorated 
with a red or bright-colored flyer, the 
shorter end — about a foot or less — 
to be on the side covering the opening 
in the ice. A bite at the bait will bring 
the signal flag, and if the fish is se- 
curely hooked there will be a series 
of wig-w^ags, the "S. O. S." calls of the 
victim. This style of fishing, although 
often productive of big results, is not 
highly commended as a sportsman- 
like method of angling, being in re- 
ality more of a market fisher's system 
than of the true Waltonian manner of 
takine fish. 



Fisher aft 123 

When indulged in for sport rather 
than for the market, and in the hope 
and anticipation of catching a large 
fish instead of a very large number of 
iish, the pastime is a commendable 
one, conducive to health, and giving 
that variety said to be the spice of 
life. In crystal clear water the fish 
may sometimes be seen by the winter 
fisher, as they approach the lure on 
the line of invitation. Pike, pickerel 
and black bass are some of the larger 
species caught in fishing through the 
ice, and the smaller varieties fre- 
quenting lakes and ponds are also 
"among those present" on the occa- 
sion of winter events of this kind. 

Many veterans of the angling guild 
doubtless recall, with pleasure, the 
olden days of mid-winter sport with 
hook and line, when ice and snow 
never interfered with out-door pas- 
times, but brought, instead, the thrill 
that comes to natives of the north- 
lands when chill winds seem to chal- 
lenge us to come into the open air and 
engage in some of the recreations of 
the season. To eager rodsters of this 



124 Fisher aft 

type, ice forms no barrier, but is 
rather a means of changing the 
method of fishing, so that the season 
has a charm beyond that of other or- 
dinary winter amusements. 



HINTS TO FRESH WATER 
ANGLERS 

Baits and Tackle 

TDest Live Bait. — Angleworms are 
the best general bait for fishing, 
as this "garden hackle" proves at- 
tractive to a larger number of fishes 
than any other live bait. Rich soil 
is the best place to find angleworms, 
the heavy clay soil yielding good re- 
sults, especially after rains. A strong 
solution of salt water, freely poured 
on the surface, will usually bring the 
worms to the top of the ground. 

Preserving Worms. — By placing 
worms in wet moss, and pouring a 
pint of milk over them daily, they can 
be kept in good condition quite a 
length of time. Useful bait cans can 
be bought at small cost, or made to 
order by any tinsmith. 

Live Minnow^s. — By using a small- 
mesh dip net in waters where min- 
nows abound, a good supply can soon 
be caught, and properly kept by keep- 
ing in a perforated can, in pure water. 



126 Fisher aft 

Hook through the lip and body of the 
minnow, in such manner that it may 
appear natural in trolling through the 
water. 

Live Frogs. — The frog is a suc- 
cessful lure for several species of fish. 
To catch frogs, attach a small piece of 
red flannel to a hook, and lightly 
drop this where it will be seen; the 
lure is almost irresistible. 

Small Mice. — Nearly all fresh 
water fishes bite readily at live mice. 
In using this lure the mouse should 
be hooked through the tail, and al- 
lowed to swim away. This may seem 
a cruel practice, but is little more so 
than using frogs. 

Raw^ Beef. — Cut a piece of raw 
beef in suitable form and size, and it 
will prove to be a good bait, for the 
coarse fishes especially. This is a bait 
easily obtainable, and may be taken 
along to use in emergency. 

Live Grasshoppers. — For trout 
and bass grasshoppers should never 
be overlooked as one of the most at- 
tractive live baits. With a net of mos- 
quito bar a sufficient number can 



Fisher aft 127 

usually be caught in short order. Use 
as a surface lure, and never attach a 
sinker. 

DoBsoN, Helgramite. — The hel- 
gramite, or dobson, known under 
many different names, is one of the 
best live baits for black bass. The 
crawlers are found under logs and 
stones in brooks and rapid-running 
rivers, and should be kept in damp 
grass, placed in a small box. Hook 
just back of the head. 

Artificial Flies. — These are of 
such great variety that, for a complete 
list, want of space prevents giving 
names in detail. Of the standard flies 
for trout fishing, some of the most 
popular are the Grey Hackle, Brown 
Hackle, Professor, Grizzly King, 
Montreal, Coachman, White Miller, 
May-fly, Alder and Queen of the 
Water, with a few midge-flies, small 
and dark in color. Of black bass flies 
one of the favorites is the Henshall, 
so named in honor of the well-known 
author and angler. 

Trolling Baits. — The artificial 
baits used in trolling are multitudi- 



128 Fishcraft 

nous, including the spoons, minnows, 
and various devices invented to catch 
the gamy fresh water fishes. To men- 
tion any particular make would seem 
like favoritism, and to name all is 
impractical in the limited space of a 
little brochure wherein brevity is nec- 
essary to give wide range of informa- 
tion in compact form. 

Lines. — That American manufac- 
turers make the best silk lines in the 
world is generally known, in this 
country at least, and the evenly 
braided, careful enameled lines — 
thoroughly waterproofed with a prep- 
aration of linseed oil and paraffine — 
are alike pliable and durable; free 
from "kinks" if properly used, while 
ordinary tangles are readily released. 
In salt water linen lines are prefera- 
ble, as silk is more quickly destroyed 
therein. 

Leaders. — For fly casting the lead- 
ers should be perfectly round, dyed 
a mist color, with a loop at each end 
and one in the middle — one end to be 
attached to the line, and a fly at each 
of the other loops, a third fly being 



Fishcraft 129 

sometimes used. The angler who 
wishes to do so can purchase the gut 
of which the leader is made and tie 
it to his own taste as to length, etc^, 
but the variety of tackle stores will 
usually enable him to satisfy his 
wants. The leaders to be used should 
be straightened and placed between 
two pieces of felt, thoroughly soaked, 
the day before using, so that there 
may be no danger of kinks, curves 
or bends when fastened to the line. 
The leaders should be kept in the 
felt covering, and carried in a small 
tin box about half an inch thick and 
three inches in diameter. 

Fishing Rods. — Expert anglers 
take pride in using very light rods 
and tackle, depending upon skill in 
handling more than in mere strength 
of rod and line to land the fish ; but 
the beginner will do well to avoid the 
extreme in either direction, selecting 
a rod of what may be termed the 
happy medium in length and weight. 
A well balanced split bamboo is to be 
preferred for the use of the skilled 
angler, and the novice, if careful in 



130 Fisher aft 

casting as well as in playing the fish, 
will get more enjoyment in handling 
a . handsome bamboo rod of finest 
make than in one of either lancewood 
or greenheart, the most desirable 
woods in rod making. Of light rods 
none can equal the split bamboo of 
best make, either for strength, elas- 
ticity or durability. The hexagonal 
has greater strength than the round 
rod. Another point is the "balance" 
of the rod — the poise when held ready 
for a cast — a matter readily settled 
by an expert, but difficult to decide by 
the inexperienced angler. A rod that 
really fits, so to speak, is a treasure 
to be kept from harm, an appliance 
cherished as a lasting friend, for with 
faithful care it should endure many 
years, giving service of the most satis- 
factory kind. 

Care of Rods. — After using the 
rod it should be carefully dried and 
cleaned before putting it away. If the 
joints of a rod become tightened, they 
will easily loosen if held over the heat 
of a lamp chimney. Before using a 
rod rub a little brown soap on the fer- 



Fisher aft 131 

rules, and trouble in unjointing will 
be avoided. In the autumn before 
putting the rod away for the winter, 
varnish slightly, hang it up to dry, 
then place on a level surface to pre- 
vent warping. 

Fly - Fishing Suggestions. — In 
swift-running streams, when wading, 
the angler will get best results by fish- 
ing down stream, thus keeping a taut 
line. In slow streams, fishing up- 
stream may sometimes be done to ad- 
vantage. In very clear, smooth wa- 
ter, it is advisable to let the fly sink 
a little, then move it with a quick mo^ 
tion, imitating the action of a living 
insect. Two things are of great im- 
portance in fly-fishing; first accuracy, 
then delicacy, each being essential to 
success. In dry-fly fishing the fly 
must be kept dry by sailing it in the 
air between casts, and when on the 
water be made to closely imitate the 
action of the living fly. Dry-fly 
streams, so-called, are few in number. 
A variety of flies will help in luring 
the fickle trout or bass, and frequent 
change will enabk the angler to learn 



132 Fisher aft 

what is most enticing, provided his 
first casts are unsuccessful. Consider 
the season, and use flies similar to 
those hovering over the water, or, by 
experimenting, discover the kind most 
attractive. Many of the trout flies 
used are too large, and frighten in- 
stead of attracting the brook trout. 
In fly-fishing for bass, it is well to let 
the fly sink some six inches below the 
surface, then draw it upward, with 
wrist movement. Strike quickly 
when a trout takes the fly, otherwise 
the bait will be rejected before he can 
be hooked. 

Moderate Price Trouting Out- 
fit. — An angler of long experience 
says : "Here's a plain, practical, rea- 
sonable-price outfit with no unneces- 
sary items : A four-ounce lancewood 
fly-rod, a common rubber click reel, 
to hold twenty-five yards of fine 
water-proof silk line, a seventy-five- 
cent cane landing net, small and with 
no metal on it, a seventy-five-cent 
creel, a dozen of the best made and 
highest-priced assorted trout-flies, a 
pair of waders, and a dollar's worth 



Fisher ajt 133 

of the finest and best made silk gut 
leaders." 

The Reel. — There are a number 
of serviceable reels, the selection being 
a matter of choice or taste, but in 
placing the reel, the kind of fishing 
to be done must be borne in mind. 
With a bait rod the reel should be on 
the top side, in front of the handle; 
for the fly-rod, place the reel on the 
under side, below the handle. 

General Tackle. — The tendency 
of the times, and of sportsmanship in 
angling, is in the direction of light 
tackle, but this may be carried to an 
extreme with the beginner. Very 
light rods and lines are likely to be 
broken by a novice before he gains 
knowledge of how to use them, there- 
fore it is safer to adopt a happy me- 
dium, and when in doubt any ex- 
perienced angler will gladly give good 
advice. The steadily growing "cotton 
threaders" clan, composed of experts, 
mainly, who use light cotton thread, 
with rod and hook in proportion, 
catch quite heavy fish with such an- 
gling tackle, but it does not follow 



134 Fisher aft 

that a iisher with no previous experi- 
ence could do so. The same appUes 
to the use of barbless hooks, advo- 
cated to avoid injuring small fish of 
size below the legal limit, to be re- 
turned to the water. The best advice 
to the beginner is to shun either ex- 
treme, as to tackle, and take into con- 
sideration the kind of fishing he in- 
tends to do, then consult a thoroughly 
skilled angler, whose suggestions will 
be of the worth-while order. Inspect 
the. points of hooks to see that they 
are sharp ; if dulled, file to a perfect 
point, carrying a fine file for this pur- 
pose. It is far safer to buy your fish- 
ing tackle at a regular tackle store, 
where there is not only variety, but 
better quality than at hardware or 
notion stores, and in addition to this, 
knowledge of the wants of anglers, 
and how to supply in order to retain 
trade. Have your own tackle; do 
not borrow, and never lend unless you 
are willing to lose. Test your line be- 
fore fishing ; better break it if imper- 
fect, than have the first big fish break 
it for you. For fly-casting, leaders 



Fishcraft 135 

with sliding loops are preferable. Ar- 
tificial flies, dipped in kerosene oil, 
and dried, are safe from moths. As 
a moth-preventative for fly-books, 
sprinkle napthaline crystals among 
the leaves. Leaders may be given the 
favorite mist color by immersing them 
in French writing ink for one hour, 
then drying. Never let your rods or 
lines rest against nails, if you would 
avoid rust and breakage. 



SELECTED LINES 

TN making up his outfit for angling, 
•^ the fisher always finds it neces- 
sary to take special care in selection 
of his lines. In like manner, it seems 
desirable that some very appropriate 
lines, cast with such delicacy and pre- 
cision that they must prove pleasing 
and instructive to the reader, be se- 
lected from the array presented by 
able angler-authors, and re-assembled 
in form for ready reference, herein. 
The novice will find that by carefully 
reading and closely following the 
lines, he can more readily put the 
precepts into practice, thereby making 
the pathway easier to success in 
reaching the goal of success as a sci- 
entific angler: 

The Expert Fly-Fisher. — To be 
a finished wet-fly angler one must 
possess as muck skill as the dry-fly 
fisherman. — Emlyn M. Gill. 

The Complete Angler. — Wal- 
ton's book is as fresh" and beautiful as 
a handful of wild violets and sweet 



Fisher aft 137 

lavender. It breathes the odors of 
green fields and woods. 

The Careful Angler. — His rule 
in fishing was to fish in the difiicult 
places which others were likely to 
skip. — Daniel Webster. 

The Home Angler. — The 
"sporting" element among fishermen 
haven't any fine sensibilities. The 
true anglers fish for edible fish only 
for their own use and the use of their 
families. — "Piscator'' 

The Lost Angler. — Remember 
that water always is supposed to run 
south, save in a few instances where 
it runs direct north or west from the 
mountains, as the Red River in Min- 
nesota, flowing north, for instance. 
This certainly would be a misleader. 
But as a rule water runs south. Fol- 
low it. Along streams man makes 
his abode. — Robert Page Lincoln. 

Fly vs. Worm. — That fly-fishing 
is clean, and free from the muscular 
efforts of mountain-climbing ; that it 
is usually rewarded with larger fish 
than those taken with a worm ; that it 
has a freedom, a jollity, a certain 



138 Fisher ajt 

broad, wide-spaced exhilaration, I 
willingly admit. But the humbler, 
old-fashioned method has a charm of 
its own which I am not willing to 
forego. — Willis Boyd Allen. 

Brightening Spoons. — If your 
spoons lose their brilliancy they can 
be brightened by the use of a little 
nitrate of mercury, rubbed on with 
a piece of chamois. — Kit Clarke. 

To Keep Fish Alive. — The best 
method is to carry a net about three 
feet long, with a swell center, and 
open at one end. The fish are placed 
in the bag, which is then immersed 
in the water. These nets can be had 
at any tackle store. — ''The Practical 
Angler:' 

To Fool a Trout. — A wary trout 
can sometimes be fooled by this trick : 
Take a broad maple leaf, and with a 
knife slit half-way along the middle 
vein; suspend the hook and worm, 
press the leaf together, and send it 
down-stream, and the trout is pretty 
sure to seize it. — Kit Clarke. 

The Brow^n Hackle. — Two hun- 
dred anglers, representing all parts of 



Fishcraft 139 

the United States, contributed fly- 
fishing chapters to "Favorite Flies," 
iVIary Orvis Marbury's wonderful 
book on artificial flies and fly-fishing, 
and 130 of them declared the Brown 
Hackle their favorite pattern. — H. C. 
Wilcox. 

The Indolent Angler. — I know 
of old anglers who have experienced 
better things, who make long excur- 
sions in pursuit of mascalonge, who 
will sit on a cushioned seat with a 
cushioned back in the stern of the 
boat, and suffer themselves to be 
pulled about all day, with a trolling 
rod extended from each side. I never 
could appreciate this inactive mode of 
taking fish, which is little better than 
cockney punt-fishing, and does not 
require one-tenth the skill. — Thad. 
N orris. 

Locating the Trout. — Often the 
whereabouts of a trout is betrayed by 
a break or a leap from the surface, and 
the wide-awake angler will make it 
his business to toss his fly over the 
spot sooner or later. Sometimes the 



140 Fisher aft 

trout rush at the lure Hke a flash, leap- 
ing clear over it in their eagerness. 
They are difficult to hook then. — 
Charles H alloc k. 

Casting in the Rapids. — When I 
come to rapids I cast far down the 
foaming yeast of waters and draw my 
dancing, leaping flies swiftly up 
stream. The water throws the flies 
hither and thither in the most natural 
way, and often from a single cast in 
such a place I have three trout on. — 
Ned Bunt line. 

A Wading Costume. — Long woolen 
stockings, reaching midway between 
the knee and hip, and supported by 
elastic side garters with breeches but- 
toning or buckling just below the 
knee, is the perfection of wading cos- 
tume. — Fitz James Fitch. 

Skill That Does It. — Skill, and 
trained skill at that, does the good 
work, and the angler's score is in pro- 
portion to his knowledge of "how to 
do it!" — Wm. C. Harris. 

Passion for Fly- Casting. — A 
gray-haired bait fisher is very rare, 



F is he raft 141 

while the passion for fly-casting, 
whether for trout or salmon, grows 
by what it feeds upon, and continues 
a source of the highest pleasure even 
after the grasshopper becomes a bur- 
den. — George Dawson. 

Fly-Fishing vs. Bait-Fishing. — 
The true angler is not confined to fly- 
fishing, as many imagine. When the 
fly can be used it always should be 
used, but where the fly is imprac- 
ticable, or where the fish will not rise 
to it, he is a very foolish angler who 
declines to use bait. — W. C. Prime, 

Care of Tackle. — When spring 
comes round, look to your tackle with 
careful inspection, and see that all are 
in perfect order. Above all, look well 
to your flies ; reject all specimens that 
have been injured by use and all 
frayed gut lengths. It is better to 
throw away a handful now, than to 
lose flies and fish together the first 
time you fasten to a rise. — Charles 
H alloc k. 

Skill in Fly-Casting. — The nat- 
ural and acquired skill actually neces- 



142 Fishcrajt 

sary before any man can throw a 
"neat fly," is known only to those 
who have made this method of 
anghng their study and amusement. 
— Frank Forester. 

Peculiarities of Fish. — There 
are two pecuHarities of all sorts of fish 
which are frequently unnoticed ; that 
they are largely attracted to their 
food by scent, and that they feed at 
night. — Seth Green. 

Not All of Fishing to Fish. — 
The fisherman whose catching of 
many fish causes him to forget his sur- 
roundings, blinds his eyes to the 
beauties of nature, and deadens his 
ears to the music of the wild, is no 
angler. — O. W . Smith. 

The Bungler. — Bragging of un- 
gentle catches, untruths about the 
size of a specimen, and non-ichthyo- 
logical nonsense about the mystery of 
a species — unnatural history such as 
cheap fiction writers indulge in — by 
bungling would-be fishermen, annoy 
the practical man and puzzle the 
earnest tyro. The record of honest 



Fishcraft 143 

sport is entertaining and instructive. 
— Charles Bradford. 

Use Suitable Tackle. — The qual- 
ity of gameness in a fish is best deter- 
mined by the character of the tackle 
used. A brook trout on a striped 
bass rod, or a black bass on a tarpon 
rod, could not, in either case, exhibit 
its characteristic gameness, or afford 
any sport to the angler. Excellent 
sport with small fishes, however, is 
now rendered possible owing to the 
advent of the very light trout rod. It 
should not be considered beneath the 
dignity of an angler to cast the fly for 
a rock bass, a blue gill, or a croppie, 
with a three-ounce rod. Certainly it 
is just as sportsmanlike as to fish for 
six-inch brook trout in a meadow 
brook or a mountain rill. — James A. 
He7nshalL 

The Angling World. — Angling 
takes us from the confusion . . . 
of the big cities and places us in close 
contact with one of the most im- 
portant divisions of human labor — 
the cultivation of the soil, which is 



144 Fisher aft 

the real foundation of all national 
wealth and true social happiness. 
Everything connected with the land 
is calculated to foster the best and 
noblest feelings of the soul and to give 
the mind the most lofty and sublime 
ideas of universal nature. To men of 
contemplative habits the roaming 
along brooks, rivers, lakes, and fields 
gives rise ^to the most refined intel- 
lectual enjoyment. Such persons 
move in a world of their own and 
experience joys and sorrows with 
which the world cannot meddle. — 
J. L. H. 



Fishcraft 145 



MISNOMERS OF WELL-KNOWN 
FISHES 

That some of the best known game 
fishes and food fishes are mis- 
named, is indicated in the brief sum- 
mary of contradictory names thus 
given by an ichthyologist: The black 
bass is not a bass — it is a sunfish. 
The white perch is not a perch — it is 
a bass. The rock bass is not a bass — 
it is a sunfish. The wall-eyed pike or 
pike-perch is not a pike — it is a perch. 
The true fresh water basses that are 
angled for and which are strictly 
members of the bass family ser- 
ranidae — are only three in number — 
the white bass, Roccus chrysops ; the 
yellow bass, Morone interupta ; and 
the white perch, Morone Americana. 



146 Fisher aft 



A 

B 

G 

D 

E 

F 

G 

H 

I 

J 

K 

L 

M 

N 

O 

P 

Q 

R 

S 

T 

U 

V 

W 

X 

Y 

Z 



AN ANGLER'S ALPHABET 

s the albacore, caught on the troll, 
s the black bass, fighting for goal, 
s the crappie, or strawberry bass, 
s the drum-fish, in ocean en masse, 
s the eel, of river and sea, 
s the flounder, of flat form is he, 
s the grayling, fast fading away, 
s the herring, for food and for play, 
s the inconnu — whitefish best known, 
s jack-salmon, or pike-perch — no drone, 
s the kingfish, preferred to the cod, 
s the lake trout, fit for the rod, 
s the muscallonge, tiger in fight, 
s the namaycush, angler's delight, 
s the ouananische, salmon land-locked, 
s the pike-perch — lakes are well stocked, 
s the qidnnat, Pacific coast salmon, 
s the rock-fish, for masses and mammon, 
s the salmon, of fishes the king, 
s the trout, how its praises do ring, 
s an unknown, find if you can, 
s vermilion-fish, quite a small clan, 
s the weakfish, caught 'neath sea-foam, 
s the X-ray — the x left to roam, 
s the yellow-tail, found ofif the coast, 
s the "zip-fish," a Miinchhausen boast. 
Will Wildwood. . 



What Sportsman's Digest Will Do 
Every Month tor YOU 

// Entertains You 

with actual-experience stories of the great out- 
doors. Some of the most prominent sportsman- 
writers of the country are monthly contributors 
to SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST. 
Among them are such well-kno\yn writers as 
Morris Ackerman, Ben C. Robinson, L. H. 
Sweet, A. F. Hochwalt, Raymond Thompson, 
L. E. Eubanks, Robert Page Lincoln and scores 
of others. 

It Offers Valuable Suggestions 

in connection with your hunting, fishing and 
camping trips and enables you to profit by the 
experience of sportsmen who have made a study 
of these health-bringing outings. 

It Answers Every Question 

of every kind regarding the Great Outdoors. 
The Qitizs Cabin will enlighten you on those 
points on which you are not entirely clear. A 
mint of valuable information will be found each 
month in this most interesting department. 

It Keeps You in Touch with the 
World of Sports 

even though you are busily engaged in the busi- 
ness of making a living. SPORSTMAN'S DI- 
GEST will quickly make you forget any worldly 
cares — seated by your fireside or on the front 
porch, you'll travel all over the country — men- 
tally — after big and little game and the voracious 
battlers of the mountain streams and lakes. 

Twelve Big Illustrated Numbers 
ALL FOR ONE DOLLAR 



SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST 

DESK B, BOOK DEPARTMENT, 

Butler Building Cincinnati, Ohio 



Practical Dog-Keeping 

For the Amateur 

Written so as to be Understood 

By A. F. HocHWALT 

the eminent authority and writer 

f I IHE author has compiled in this 
-^ valuable book a mass of facts 
and information in a clear and concise 
style that can be understood by every 
one. He has avoided unfamiliar terms 
and used only words and phrases of 
our every-day language. 

All phases of dog-keeping are care- 
fully explained — the latest methods in 
feeding, conditioning and grooming — 
directions on care in case of sickness 
— observations on breeding — proper 
diets, and many other important sub- 
jects. 

If you own a dog and want to know 
the latest and best methods of caring 
for it, THIS BOOK WILL PROVE 
INVALUABLE. 

25 Illustrations 
Prices : Cloth, $L50; Paper, $1.00 

SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST 

BOOK DEPARTMENT 

Butler Building Cincinnati, Ohio 



Every Bird Dog Fancief Should 
Have a Copy of 

The Modern Setter 

By A. F. HocHWALT 



A COMPLETE history of the long- 
haired bird dog. Nothing has been 
, left unsaid. Chapters on the Lle- 
wellin and Laverack setters — ^chapters on 
every family that assisted in making bird 
dog history — interesting anecdotes on 
field trials and field trial happenings — it 
is a complete story of the various breeds 
of setter, from their origin down to the 
present day. Bench show and field trial 
dogs compared; Irish and Gordon set- 
ters fully dwelt upon. 

No book on the bird dog has ever been 
written or is likely to be written that is 
as comprehensive as this new work. 

Size of book — six by nine; bound in 
silk cloth and gold lettering. Twenty-six 
full page illustrations; 239 pages of in- 
teresting reading matter. 



Price per Copy $4.00, Postpaid 
SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST 

BOOK DEPARTMENT 

Butler Building Cincinnati, Ohio 



The Working Dog 
and His Education 

By A. F. HOGHWALT 

A RE you training a dog? Is he 
-^^^^ responding to your methods? 
Are you satisfied with the results? 
Would you like to compare your meth- 
ods with those of famous trainers? 
Do you want to learn about their 
methods? — If you do — 

GET THIS BOOK 

Interesting chapters on the training 
of pointers, setters, foxhounds, beagles, 
Airedales, spaniels, and police dogs. 
Various systems are described, the best 
method of breaking faults and correct- 
ing bad habits are explained. 

It is the work of an expert, written 
so that the amateur may understand. 
Every rule in it has been tried and 
proven. You can rely on the direc- 
tions given to always produce results. 

Price, $1.00 
SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST 

BOOK DEPARTMENT 

Butler Building Cincinnati, Ohio 



A Splendid Book Every Camper Will 
Want in His Kit 

Camp Cookery 

By Horace Kephart 

Author of "Camping and Woodcraft," 
"The Hunting Rifle," etc. 

Illustrated with Pen Drawings of 
Useful Camp Utensils, Outfits, Etc. 

IF you want to fully enjoy your next 
camping trip, learn the fundamentals 
of camp cooking from a man who 
has spent many years in the woods. This 
instructive, valuable book tells you what 
provisions are essential; what utensils 
you really need; how to build and get 
the best results from camp fires; how to 
dress and keep game, fish, etc. Three 
interesting chapters tell you all about 
the preparation of meat, game, fish and 
shellfish. The author tells you just how to 
prepare cured meats, eggs, breadstuffs, 
cereals, vegetables, soups, beverages and 
dessert. Nothing has been overlooked. 

You'll enjoy your next trip to the 
woods much more after reading 
and profiting by the valuable sug- 
gestions contained in this book 

154 Pages Clothbound $1.50 



SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST 

BOOK DEPARTMENT 

Butler Building Cincinnati, Ohio 



TWENTIETH CENTURY 
BIRD DOG 

Training and Kennel Management 

By Er. M. Shelley 

TT^VERY owner and every person 
interested in bird dogs and hunt- 
ing dogs should have a copy of this 
valuable book. 

Into this book Mr. Shelley has put 
the best of his knowledge, gained 
from years of experience as a suc- 
cessful trainer and handler. It is 
authoritative and interesting, and it 
throws many new lights upon the old 
sy.^tem of bird dog training. 

Containing many fine illustrations, 
and being handsomely bound in cloth, 
this is an attractive as well as useful 
volume that you cannot afford to be 
without. 

Price, Postpaid, $2.00 
SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST 

BOOK DEPARTMENT 

Butler Building Cincinnati, Ohio 



The Modern Pointer 

By A. F. HocHWALT 

rilHE object of this book is to 
briefly consider the development 
of a dog which for many years has 
been one of the favorites of the 
sportsman, and which is hkely to con- 
tinue so for all time to come. 

This is an interesting story of the 
short-haired dog and his rapid prog- 
ress in this country. If you are a 
lover of the bird dog, you'll want a 
copy of this book. It is six by nine 
inches in size, contains 162 pages and 
2'A full page illustrations. Bound in 
silk cloth with gold lettering. 

Price, $2.00 per Copy, Postpaid 



SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST 

BOOK DEPARTMENT 

Butler Building Cincinnati, Ohio 



DOGCRAFT 

By A. F. HocHWALT 

Third Edition — Revised and 
Enlarged 

HERE is a book every sportsman 
will want to have in his library 
for ready reference — and study. It 
tells everything you want to know 
about dogs — 290 pages of expert in- 
formation. 

DOGCRAFT is a complete study 
of the various breeds of dogs ; their 
care and management in health and 
disease. You will find many interest- 
ing chapters on gun dogs, sight hunt- 
ers, house and watch dogs, pastoral 
dogs — and you'll find out just how 
the particular breed you are interested 
in should be trained and cared for. 

// you have one dog or a 
dozen dogs, yon zmll zvant a 
copy of this splendid book 

Clothbound, $2.00 Paperbound, $1.50 
SPORTSMAN'S DIGEST 

BOOK DEPARTMENT 

Butler Building Cincinnati, Ohio 



